U.S. patent number 8,435,454 [Application Number 12/986,323] was granted by the patent office on 2013-05-07 for modular system for radiosynthesis with multi-run capabilities and reduced risk of radiation exposure.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.. The grantee listed for this patent is Carroll Edward Ball, Arkadij M. Elizarov, Todd L. Graves, Hartmuth C. Kolb, Artem Lebedev, Reza Miraghaie, Keith E. Schleiffer, Jianzhong Zhang. Invention is credited to Carroll Edward Ball, Arkadij M. Elizarov, Todd L. Graves, Hartmuth C. Kolb, Artem Lebedev, Reza Miraghaie, Keith E. Schleiffer, Jianzhong Zhang.
United States Patent |
8,435,454 |
Elizarov , et al. |
May 7, 2013 |
Modular system for radiosynthesis with multi-run capabilities and
reduced risk of radiation exposure
Abstract
Macro- and microfluidic devices and related technologies, and
chemical processes using such devices. More specifically, the
devices may be used for a fully automated synthesis of radioactive
compounds for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography
(PET), in an efficient, compact and safe to the operator manner. In
particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to an
automated, multi-run, microfluidic instrument for the multi-step
synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals, such as PET probes, comprising a
remote shielded mini-cell containing radiation-handing
components.
Inventors: |
Elizarov; Arkadij M. (Woodland
Hills, CA), Ball; Carroll Edward (Los Angeles, CA),
Zhang; Jianzhong (Brea, CA), Kolb; Hartmuth C. (Playa
Del Rey, CA), Miraghaie; Reza (Culver City, CA), Graves;
Todd L. (Knoxville, TN), Lebedev; Artem (Culver City,
CA), Schleiffer; Keith E. (Knoxville, TN) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elizarov; Arkadij M.
Ball; Carroll Edward
Zhang; Jianzhong
Kolb; Hartmuth C.
Miraghaie; Reza
Graves; Todd L.
Lebedev; Artem
Schleiffer; Keith E. |
Woodland Hills
Los Angeles
Brea
Playa Del Rey
Culver City
Knoxville
Culver City
Knoxville |
CA
CA
CA
CA
CA
TN
CA
TN |
US
US
US
US
US
US
US
US |
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Assignee: |
Siemens Medical Solutions USA,
Inc. (Malvern, PA)
|
Family
ID: |
44343834 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/986,323 |
Filed: |
January 7, 2011 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20110150714 A1 |
Jun 23, 2011 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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12803862 |
Jul 8, 2010 |
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61224311 |
Jul 9, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
422/159; 422/903;
422/130 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01J
19/0093 (20130101); B01J 2219/00871 (20130101); B01J
2219/00873 (20130101); B01J 2219/00936 (20130101); B01J
2219/00905 (20130101); B01J 2219/00889 (20130101); B01J
2219/0081 (20130101); B01J 2219/00826 (20130101); B01J
2219/00831 (20130101); B01J 2219/00833 (20130101); B01J
2219/0086 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G21C
1/00 (20060101); B01J 19/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;422/159,903,130 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2005085855 |
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Sep 2005 |
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WO |
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2006041487 |
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Apr 2006 |
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WO |
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2006105936 |
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Oct 2006 |
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WO |
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2006132666 |
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Dec 2006 |
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WO |
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2007041486 |
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Apr 2007 |
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WO |
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2008091694 |
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Jul 2008 |
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WO |
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2008128201 |
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Oct 2008 |
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WO |
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2011006032 |
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Jan 2011 |
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WO |
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Other References
Phelps, Michael E., "Positron Emission Tomography Provides
Molecular Imaging of Biological Processes", PNAS, vol. 97, No. 16,
Aug. 1, 2000, pp. 9226-9233. cited by applicant .
PCT Search Report, PCT/US2011/025590, dated Sep. 15, 2011. cited by
applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Warden; Jill
Assistant Examiner: Seifu; Lessanework
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Ryan; Joshua B.
Parent Case Text
CLAIM TO PRIORITY
The present application is a Continuation-In-Part Application of
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/803,862 filed on Jul. 8,
2010, which is based on and claims priority to U.S. provisional
application No. 61/224,311, filed Jul. 9, 2009, all of which are
hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.
The foregoing application, and all documents cited therein or
during their prosecution ("appln cited documents") and all
documents cited or referenced in the appln cited documents, and all
documents cited or referenced herein ("herein cited documents"),
and all documents cited or referenced in herein cited documents,
together with any manufacturer's instructions, descriptions,
product specifications, and product sheets for any products
mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference
herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may be
employed in the practice of the invention.
Claims
What is clamed is:
1. An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds
comprising: one or more "hot" component units; at least one "cold"
component unit; wherein the one or more "hot" component units and
the at least one "cold" component unit are separate units that are
operatively connected to each other, and the one or more "hot"
component units and the at least one "cold" component unit being
positioned from each other to reduce radiation exposure to a user
and sensitive equipment; and one or more cassette apparatus
operatively coupled to the instrument, the one or more cassette
apparatus adapted to provide at least a portion of contents of the
one or more cassette apparatus to either one or more of the one or
more hot component units or one or more of the at least one cold
component units, the one or more "hot" component units comprising
no single-use consumables.
2. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
cassette apparatus include one or more disposable cassette
apparatus.
3. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
cassette apparatus include one or more re-usable cassette
apparatus.
4. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
cassette apparatus include one or more single-use cassette
apparatus.
5. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
cassette apparatus include one or more multi-use cassette
apparatus.
6. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the
one or more cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or
more of the one or more hot component units.
7. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the
one or more cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or
more of the at least one cold component units.
8. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the
one or more cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or
more of the one or more hot component units, and include one or
more disposable cassette apparatus.
9. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the
one or more cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or
more of the cold component units, and include one or more
disposable cassette apparatus.
10. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the
one or more cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or
more of the one or more hot component units and one or more of the
at least one cold component unit.
11. The instrument according to claim 1, further comprising:
radiation shielding disposed in proximity to one or more of the one
or more hot component units to reduce radiation exposure.
12. The instrument according to claim 11, wherein one or more of
the one or more cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to the
instrument outside the radiation shielding.
13. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein the one or more
cassette apparatus enable refilling of contents of the cassette
apparatus without exposure to radiation.
14. The instrument according to claim 1, wherein at least one of
the one or more cassette apparatus are pre-packaged.
15. A cassette device comprising: a body portion; at least one
inlet port for receiving a fluid; at least one outlet port for
providing at least a portion of the fluid; and wherein the cassette
device is configured to provide the at least a portion of the fluid
to either one or more "hot" component units or at least one "cold"
component unit, the one or more "hot" component units comprising no
single-use consumables, and wherein the body portion includes one
or more reservoirs that are arranged so as to provide contents of
the reservoirs in a predetermined sequence to the one or more "hot"
component units or the at least one "cold" component unit.
16. The cassette device according to claim 15, wherein at least one
of the components are disposable.
17. The cassette device according to claim 15, further comprising
wetted path components disposed on the body portion.
18. The cassette device according to claim 15, further comprising
an HPLC column disposed on the body portion.
19. The cassette device according to claim 15, further comprising
an ion exchange column disposed on the body portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to macro- and microfluidic
devices and related technologies, and to chemical processes using
such devices. More specifically, the invention relates to a fully
automated synthesis of radioactive compounds for imaging, such as
by positron emission tomography (PET), in an efficient, compact and
safe to the operator manner. In particular, embodiments of the
present invention relate to an automated, multi-run, microfluidic
instrument for the multi-step synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals,
such as PET probes, comprising a remote shielded mini-cell
containing radiation-handing components. Also, the present
invention is directed to a disposable cassette carrying components
which may be re-used in another cassette.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is a molecular imaging
technology that is increasingly used for detection of various
diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular and metabolic
diseases, cancer, AIDS, Parkinson's disease and other disorders.
Disease is a biological process, and molecular imaging provides a
sensitive and informative means to identify, study, and diagnose
the biological nature of disease early in and throughout its
evolution, as well as to provide biological information for
development and assessment of therapies. For example, PET whole
body imaging in cancer provides the means to (i) identify early
disease, (ii) differentiate benign from malignant lesions, (iii)
examine all organs for metastases and (iv) determine therapeutic
effectiveness.
PET imaging systems create images based on the distribution of
positron-emitting isotopes in the tissue of a patient. The isotopes
are typically administered to a patient by injection of probe
molecules that comprise a positron-emitting isotope (e.g.,
carbon-11, nitrogen-13, oxygen-15, or fluorine-18) covalently
attached to a molecule that is readily metabolized or localized in
the body or that chemically binds to receptor sites within the
body. Positron emitters of Cu, Zn, K, Br, Rb, I, P, Fe, Ga and
others can also be used.
PET probes and drugs are being developed together--in low mass
amounts, as molecular imaging probes to image the function of
targets without disturbing them, and in mass amounts to modify the
target's function as a drug. Common tissue concentrations of PET
probes are in the range of pico- to femtomoles per gram. Over 500
molecular imaging probes have been developed and consist of various
labeled enzyme and transporter substrates, ligands for receptor
systems, hormones, antibodies, peptides, drugs (medical and
illicit), and oligonucleotides. For PET probes the short half-lives
of the positron emitters require that synthesis, analysis and
purification of the probes are completed rapidly.
Common pharmaceuticals radiolabeled with F-18 include, but are not
limited to 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]-fluoro-D-glucose (.sup.18F--FDG),
3'-deoxy-3'[F-18]-fluorothymidine (.sup.18F--FLT),
9-[4-[F-18]fluoro-3-(hydroxymethyl)butyl]guanine (.sup.18F--FHBG),
9-[(3-[F-18]fluoro-1-hydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]guanine
(.sup.18F--FHPG), 3-(2'-[F-18]fluoroethyl)spiperone
(.sup.18F--FESP),
4-[F-18]fluoro-N-[2-[1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridin-
yl-benzamide (.sup.18F-p-MPPF), 2-(1-{6-[(2-[F-18]fluoroethyl)-10
(methyl)amino]-2-naphthyl}ethylidine)malononitrile
(.sup.18F--FDDNP), 2-[F-18]fluoro-amethyltyrosine,
[F-18]fluoromisonidazole (.sup.18F--FMISO),
5-[F-18]fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (.sup.18F--FdUrd), and
2'-deoxy-2'-[.sup.18F]fluoro-5-methyl-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyluracil
(.sup.18F--FMAU). Other common radiolabeled compounds include
.sup.11C-methionine and .sup.11C-acetic acid.
The synthesis of the [F-18]-labeled molecular probe,
2-deoxy-2-[F-18]-fluoro-D-glucose (.sup.18F--FDG), is based on
three major sequential synthetic processes: (i) Concentration of
the dilute [F-18]fluoride solution (1-10 ppm) that is obtained from
the bombardment of target water, [O-18]H.sub.2O, in a cyclotron;
(ii) [F-18]fluoride substitution of the mannose triflate precursor;
and (iii) acidic hydrolysis of the fluorinated intermediate.
Presently, [F-18]FDG is produced on a routine basis in a processing
time (or cycle time) of 25 about 50 minutes using macroscopic
commercial synthesizers. These synthesizers consist, in part,
mechanical valves, glass-based reaction chambers and ion-exchange
columns.
Other target probes such as, for example, .sup.18F--FLT or
.sup.18F--FMAU, are more complex and require additional steps such
as HPLC and intermediate purifications.
Instrument for carrying out synthesis of more complex radiolabeled
targets require more complex and flexible equipment.
Most of known radiosynthesis modules have electronic equipment,
reagent and radiation-handling components all in one mini-cell.
This presents risk of radiation exposure to the operator handling
the instrument and to the sensitive equipment inside such modules,
which have to be serviced or replaced frequently. Furthermore, in
most of the radiosynthesis systems reagents have to be replenished
after each run, which subjects the user to radiation exposure and
allows limited flexibility in production of wide range of PET
probes in an efficient manner.
As such, there is a need for safer and more efficient systems that
are capable of providing the flexibility to produce a wide range of
probes, biomarkers and labeled drugs or drug analogs efficiently
and in a safe to the user manner and at the same time capable of
expediting chemical processing to reduce the overall processing or
cycle times and production costs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an instrument or a
system (modular system) capable of conducting chemical processes
using macro- and microfluidic devices and related technologies.
More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a
fully automated system for the synthesis of radioactive compounds
for imaging, such as by positron emission tomography (PET), in a
fast, efficient, compact and safe to an operator manner.
One of the embodiments of the present invention is directed to an
instrument or a system for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds
comprising "hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into
two units connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are
removed from one another to minimize exposure of a user and
sensitive equipment to radiation.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument where the "hot" box contains all radiation-handling
components.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument where a "hot" box containing radiation-handling
components is placed inside a mini-cell.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument where the "hot" box containing radiation-handling
components is placed inside a self-shielded micro-cell.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument, where the at least one "hot box" is placed in the
mini-cell.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument, where there are a plurality of "hot boxes" (typically
three) are placed in one mini-cell.
In another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument where a "cold" box is hosting electronics, pumps and
reagents.
In another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument where a "cold" box hosting electronics, pumps and
reagents is placed outside the shielding to optimize "hot" space,
allow access to reagents between runs and protect electronics and
the operator from radiation.
One of the embodiments of the present invention is directed to the
instrument where "hot" and "cold" components are separated into two
"boxes" or units, which are about 20 feet away from one another to
minimize the effects of radiation on a user and other sensitive
equipment.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument which can be manually-operated and/or
fully-automated.
In another embodiment, the two units are connected via a bundle of
cables and tubing necessary for electronic communication and
delivery of reagents.
In another embodiment, the bundle of cables and tubing connecting
the "hot" and "cold" boxes is equipped with a Safety Radiation
Detector.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the modular
system equipped with multiple reactors.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
system where the "hot" unit is equipped with a macro reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
system where the "hot" unit is equipped with a micro or
microfluidic reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the system
where a macro reactor-based instrument can be upgraded with a
micro-reactor and vice versa.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system
where "hot" component is equipped with the microfluidic chip and
the macro reactor for conducting processes on micro and macro scale
within the same instrument.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where the "hot box" can be accessed through a top
opening in a shielded enclosure and/or vertical ejection of the
unit out of the shield.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument, where the top or vertical opening allows the hot box to
be lifted vertically out of the stationary shield. In this
embodiment, typically the shields are not movable and stay in
place.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system
where the self-shielded micro-cell comprises at least one unit
equipped to carry out a radiosynthetic protocol including
synthesis, purification and formulation procedures.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
system where a typical mini-cell comprises more than one unit, each
equipped to carry out a radiosynthetic protocol including
synthesis, purification and formulation procedures.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
system where three copies, or identical devices of the "hot" unit,
each including synthesis, purification and formulation components
are fitted inside one mini-cell.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
system where the width of mini-cell interior is about 27 inches,
depth is about 20 inches and height is about 24 inches.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the system
where "cold" box comprises an embedded personal computer (PC),
which is designed to perform various operations supporting
discovery and production processes.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the system
where the single "cold" box is adapted to control multiple "hot"
boxes.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
placement of reagent reservoirs outside the radiation shield of the
"hot box".
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
placement of electronics outside the radiation shield of the "hot
box".
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument capable of conducting multiple runs comprising
radiosyntheses of different products without opening shielded
enclosures during or between such runs.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument where product collection and F-18 delivery takes place
in an interlocking pig device on a self-shielded module without
radiation exposure.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument which can be used with any cyclotron.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
interlocking pig device, which is used to deliver an isotope to a
self-shielded unit or remove product from self-shielded unit
without user exposure.
Another embodiment, the present invention relates to the system
where, both the self-shielded and mini-cell-based instruments can
be connected directly to the cyclotron to receive an isotope.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the chip
comprising a system of parapets on the ceiling of the chip
preventing liquid vent loss while allowing efficient
evaporation.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument, where hot box comprises a system of three-way valves on
interface base, which is operatively coupled to the chip, for
example in an interference fit, mating relationship or alignment,
for reagent priming.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the chip
made of molded PEEK or glass.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the chip
within a PEEK frame that seals with the PEEK micro-reactor and
having a glass lid.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the system,
where the reactors and interface bases are configured in such a way
that potential leak paths are diverted away from heaters.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the chip
comprising a plunger alignment for one-operation chip
insertion.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
pre-aligned chip.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a mechanism
of chip-plunger alignment that is built into the instrument and
allows the chip to be aligned during its one-operation insertion.
Alignment means, for example, that the plungers typically should be
in certain positions within the chip in order to insert it without
breaking and in order to make them operational. There positions are
typically not preset by hand because they are mid way between fully
inserted and completely removed. Multiple approaches have been
explored to assure such alignment.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument comprising a chip-plunger aligning device.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the chip
with a pocket for pre-dispensed heat-transfer compound. (The chip
has a pocket which mates with the heater protrusion. Rather than
placing the heat transfer material on the protrusion, where it can
easily get smeared and become a source of contamination, it is
placed within the hard to reach pocket, and therefore less
accessible and thus, less likely to cause a contamination to other
parts of the chip/instrument.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where a pressure source- and detector-based system (see
pressure monitors 52 in FIGS. 5a and 5b) are self-testing for
leaks.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where a pressure-relief tube is incorporated between ion
exchange column and micro reactor. This tube is useful since the
release solution exits the column very rapidly and then slows down
(i.e., the release of the solution begins at a fast rate and then
the release rate decreases). The pressure relief tube is
incorporated as a deceleration device, so that the release solution
does not enter the reactor at a rapid pace.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where stirring in reformulation system is enabled by
bubbling gas from the bottom of the vessel (enabled by a tube that
reaches all the way to the bottom, which is used as both entrance
and exit port).
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where the "cold box" is equipped with a UV light source
and detector coupled with the flow cell by optical fibers.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where the hot box is equipped with a UV LED used as a
light source. The UV-LED is placed inside the hot box and requires
no on-board electronics unlike the UV lamp and no optical fibers,
as it mounts right in the flow cell. The LED mounts on the flow
cell at one end and the detection optical fiber (connected to a
detector) on another. Light shines through solution and is detected
by the detector.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where a flow meter for monitoring reactor dryness can be
placed both upstream and downstream of the reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where efficient evaporation is achieved by change of
pressure during evaporation process.
In one of the embodiments of the present invention, evaporation can
start under low pressure and end under high pressure.
In one of the embodiments of the present invention evaporation can
start under positive pressure and end under vacuum.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the system
where a single syringe drives all reagents and optionally all
solvents into the reactor without any of these reagents entering
the syringe.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the system
where the metering pumps drive solvents into the reactor or
reformulation system.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the platform
system where a multi-purpose solid phase extraction (SPE) system is
plumbed to be available for (a) purified product reformulation, (b)
crude product purification, (c) intermediate purification, (d)
intermediate reformulation, (e) ion-exchange (F-18 trapping and
release).
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument comprising a self-monitoring and self-emptying waste
system.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument comprising an automated cleaning with readiness
indication.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument comprising a system of two or more valves that can send
any reagent to any location. Another embodiment of the present
invention relates to the instrument comprising an air-cooled
micro-reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument comprising air-cooled and air-heated reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to synthesis,
purification and formulation systems sharing functional
components.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument comprising the cold box configured for clean-room
applications (all surfaces are wipeable with EtOH and detergent and
have no protruding features).
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
radiosynthesis instrument comprising a touch-screen computer.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument comprising an automated safety interlock on exhaust
monitoring.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the cold box
equipped with a reagent kit.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a reagent
cartridge that can be plugged into the cold box (other previously
shown cartridges were plugged in inside the shielded
enclosure).
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where one batch of F-18 can be used for making multiple
different products.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where one batch of F-18 can be used (split at least in
two) in parallel mode for making multiple different products.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument capable of producing various radiolabeled compounds
incorporating different isotopes on the same module, which include,
for example, F-18, C-11, and Cu-64.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument configured for liquid and gas reagent handling within
the same module.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where different processes can take place in individual
hot boxes within the mini-cell at the same time.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
instrument comprising a self-shielded waste management system.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument capable of automatically generating a batch record with
yield, activity concentration, specific activity and other
parameters.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument capable of adjusting preset protocols and
procedures.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
releasing [F-18]fluoride from the ion exchange column with a
certain volume of aqueous K.sub.2CO.sub.3 followed by a mixture of
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and Kryptofix 222 (K222) in H.sub.2O/MeCN mixture
of solvents. (This process is more efficient than the release of
[F-18]fluoride with K.sub.2CO.sub.3 alone followed by K222.)
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method
where all reagents are driven from cold box to hot box before
[F-18]fluoride delivery and are ready to be dispensed into the
reactor right next to the reactor. This is not the case even in
modules with onboard reagents without the "cold box". The reagents
have to travel through the fluid network of channels to get from
their reservoirs to the reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method
of passing K222 solution behind K.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution (through
an ion exchange column and the entire path from column to reactor)
to maximize F-18 transfer from ion exchange column into
reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method
for F-18 release using multiple fractions of eluent. This method is
more efficient than using a single fraction with the same total
volume.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method
of F-18 elution involving release direction and trapping direction
being opposite, which maximizes the efficiency of release.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
loading HPLC injection loop by moving liquids with pressure
(typically without using a syringe), which is enabled by specific
positioning of liquid-gas interface detectors.
In another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method
of increasing the efficiency of the release solution comprising
passing the solution bolus through a tube packed with glass beads
(splitting one bolus into multiple without moving hardware parts)
to provide a train of multiple boluses.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
conducting multiple runs comprising radiosyntheses of different
products without opening shielded enclosures.
Another embodiment of present invention is directed to the
instrument, where the cold box has no protruding features (for
clean-room applications).
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument, where the hot box comprises no single-use
consumables.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument, where the hot box comprises a glass-bead-packed tube to
break the release solution into multiple boluses.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument, where the hot box comprises a pressure-relief tube
between I/E column and reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument, where the hot box comprises UV LED in HPLC.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument, where the hot box comprises reusable I/E column.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument, where the hot reusable Solid Phase Extractor (SPE)
cartridges, or cassettes.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in the
instrument according to various embodiments of the present
invention. For example, the embodiments of the present invention
may be used to perform radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled
compound.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates the method of
conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in the
instrument where loading an HPLC loop is conducted by pressure via
tubing with liquid-gas detectors.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates the method of
conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in the
instrument according to various embodiments of the present
invention comprising conducting multiple runs of radiosyntheses of
different products without opening shielded enclosures.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates the method of
conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in the
instrument according to various embodiments of the present
invention comprising increasing the efficiency of the release
solution comprising passing the solution bolus through a tube
packed with glass beads to provide a train of multiple boluses.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates the method of
conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in the
instrument according to various embodiments of the present
invention comprising passing K222 through the release line behind
K.sub.2CO.sub.3.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates the method of
conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in the
instrument according to various embodiments of the present
invention where release by a K.sub.2CO.sub.3 bolus is followed by a
mixture of K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and K222.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the method
of conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in the
instrument according to various embodiments of the present
invention comprising achieving efficient release by splitting the
release solution into multiple boluses.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds that includes
one or more "hot" component units and at least one "cold" component
unit. The one or more "hot" component units and the at least one
"cold" component unit are separate units that are operatively
connected to each other, and the one or more "hot" component units
and the at least one "cold" component unit being positioned from
each other to reduce radiation exposure to a user and sensitive
equipment. There are also one or more cartridge apparatus, or
cassette apparatus, operatively coupled to a portion of the
instrument. The one or more cassette apparatus provide at least a
portion of contents of the one or more cassette apparatus to either
one or more of the one or more hot component units or one or more
of the at least one cold component units.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus) and wherein the one or more cassette
apparatus include one or more disposable cassette or cartridge
apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein the one or more cassette
apparatus include one or more re-usable cassette apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein the one or more cassette
apparatus include one or more single-use cassette apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein the one or more cassette
apparatus include one or more multi-use cassette apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the
one or more hot component units.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the at
least one cold component units.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the
one or more hot component units, and include one or more disposable
cassette apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the
cold component units, and include one or more disposable cassette
apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the
one or more hot component units and one or more of the at least one
cold component unit.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), and also includes radiation shielding
disposed in proximity to one or more of the one or more hot
component units to reduce radiation exposure.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus) and one or more of the one or more
cassette apparatus are operatively coupled to the instrument
outside the radiation shielding.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein the one or more cassette
apparatus enable refilling of contents of the cassette apparatus
without exposure to radiation.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein at least one of the one or more
cassette apparatus are pre-packaged.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette device that has a body portion and at least one inlet port
for receiving a fluid. The cassette also has at least one outlet
port for providing at least a portion of the fluid. There are also
one or more functional elements disposed on the body portion to
perform an associated function. These functional elements may
include, for example, HPLC, ion exchange column, vials, reservoirs
and electronic components such as memory units, processors and
other units.
The embodiments of the present invention also include a cassette in
which at least some of the functional elements do not come into
contact with radiation since they are radiation intolerant.
Furthermore, some of the functional elements are re-usable. They
may be re-cycled or re-furbished such that they can be utilized
again, either with the same cassette or a different cassette.
Additionally, some of the functional elements are disposable.
According to the embodiments of the present invention, some of the
functional elements are re-usable parts on the cassette body.
Additionally, the cassette device, as described herein, can have a
body portion that is designed such that its shape, dimensions or
pre-etched channels are based on a desired use or particular
execution or recipe, or batch or re-usable elements. Thus, the
cassette may be wider or longer or have additional vials based on a
desired use of the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette device, as described herein in which the body portion
includes one or more reservoirs that are arranged so as to provide
contents of the reservoirs in a predetermined sequence. Thus, when
the cassette is re-cycled or refurbished, the reservoirs can be
re-filled so that the cassette may be used for a similar recipe in
the future. Indeed, the cassettes can be re-used many times over by
a laboratory using the cassettes to execute the recipe.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette in which the functional elements include elements for the
wetted path. Thus, the wetted path can be utilized by the cassette
elements, or components.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette device, as described herein in which the functional
elements include HPLC, ion exchange column, a reagent reservoir, a
mixing unit, a reaction chamber, a microreactor, a finishing unit,
vials containing solvents and/or reagents, a chamber having
pre-loaded reagents, a chamber having operator-loaded reagents, a
waste collection chamber, pumps, valves, connections, tubing,
processors, memories, chips, circuit traces, electrical connectors,
fluid connectors, and other elements used in conjunction with the
cassette that may be disposed on the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette device, as described herein in which an exchange time for
the cassette in an instrument does not exceed a predetermined time
interval. This predetermined time interval may be for example
approximately one minute; approximately three minutes;
approximately five minutes; or approximately fifteen minutes; or
another desired time between runs.
The cassette device according to an embodiment of the present
invention may be configured for a single run or multiple runs.
Also, the cassette may perform a cleaning function for at least a
portion of an instrument and/or the cassette. Additionally, the
cassette device may be adapted for performing one or more tests of
an instrument.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a cassette device
that includes a tracking module, disposed on the body portion, that
tracks use of the cassette. The tracking device may be used to
accumulate use data of the cassette, types of experiments run using
the cassette, types of constituent parts on the cassette,
maintenance records, types of instruments the cassette has been
used with, time of use of the cassette and other data related to
the operational life and uses of the cassette.
The cassette device, as described herein may be used to produce an
aliquot, or other reaction product that may be output from the
cassette and/or instrument.
A further embodiment of the present invention is a cassette device,
as described herein, that further includes at least one connector
adapted to electrically couple the cassette device to an
instrument. Additionally, the connector is adapted to transmit
electrical signals or power signals or both electrical and power
signals between the cassette device and the instrument.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette device, as described herein that includes a connector
adapted to provide a pathway for liquid transmission between the
cassette device and an instrument. This could be tubing, or a
fitting that permits liquids to transfer to and from the
cassette.
Yet another embodiment of the cassette as described herein is that
the cassette may have a body portion that is shaped to interface
with an instrument such that the shape signals to the instrument
what predetermined procedures, experiments, recipes or other uses
the cassette is capable of performing.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette device, as described herein that also includes identifying
information disposed on the cassette device. The identifying
information includes, for example, a bar code, an RFID tag, encoded
data, encrypted data or any combination thereof.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette as described herein and also includes an integrity module,
or unit or facility that is mounted on the body portion, and is
adapted to determine whether an instrument is compatible with the
cassette device. If the cassette and instrument are not compatible,
an alert or other indication is generated and provided to an
operator or other location, such as a monitoring device.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette, as described herein in which the body portion includes
one or more containers, or vials, or reservoirs, that contain
predetermined materials. These containers may include fluids
(liquid or gas or slurry or any combination thereof) or dry
chemicals.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette device, as described herein, wherein the cassette includes
a cleaning unit or facility disposed thereon. The cleaning unit may
be used to clean components on the cassette and/or components of
the instrument. The tubing or plumbing connected to the cleaning
unit can be configured to deliver the quantity and type of cleaning
agent desired for the particular cleaning operation.
The cassette as described herein may also have channels that are
pre-configured on the body portion of the cassette. These channels
may be drilled, etched, molded, or otherwise formed such that the
channel paths are fixed. An operator may connect various functional
elements or components such that the channels provide a conduit or
pathway between the components.
Also, the cassette, as described herein, may also have flexible
tubing connected to at least one of the at least one outlet ports
and/or components. The cassette may also include one or more valves
disposed on the body portion of the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette as described herein in which one or more components are
utilized based on an instrument operating in conjunction with the
cassette. Thus, an instrument may utilize only some of the
functional elements mounted on the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette device that includes an indicia that indicates a status of
the cassette. This may include, for example, the number of recipes
executed, radiation level and other conditions. This indicia could
be the bar code, RFID and/or tracking unit as described herein.
Another embodiment of the present invention is an instrument that
is used to identify the condition of a cassette. This instrument
typically includes a cassette reception module, adapted to
interface with a cassette apparatus and the instrument identifies
each cassette used with the cassette reception module. The
instrument can obtain status data from the cassette and use the
status data to control re-furbishing, re-cycling and or replacement
operations.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
apparatus for reprocessing the cassette components which are to be
re-used, which permits component reprocessing to take place without
limiting the synthesis instrument from proceeding directly with its
next synthesis task.
Furthermore, the invention is directed to an embodiment that
includes a radiosynthetic device suitable for operating two or more
cassettes, such that the instrument can perform multiple synthesis
runs in sequence without the need to change cassettes.
It is further noted that the invention does not intend to encompass
within the scope of the invention any previously disclosed product,
process of making the product or method of using the product, which
meets the written description and enablement requirements of the
USPTO (35 U.S.C. 112, first paragraph) or the EPO (Article 83 of
the EPC), such that applicant(s) reserve the right and hereby
disclose a disclaimer of any previously described product, method
of making the product or process of using the product.
It is noted that in this disclosure and particularly in the claims
and/or paragraphs, terms such as "comprises", "comprised",
"comprising" and the like can have the meaning attributed to it in
U.S. patent law; e.g., they can mean "includes", "included",
"including", and the like; and that terms such as "consisting
essentially of" and "consists essentially of" have the meaning
ascribed to them in U.S. patent law, e.g., they allow for elements
not explicitly recited, but exclude elements that are found in the
prior art or that affect a basic or novel characteristic of the
invention.
These and other embodiments of the present invention are disclosed
or are apparent from and encompassed by the following Detailed
Description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following detailed description, given by way of example, but
not intended to limit the invention solely to the specific
embodiments described, may best be understood in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary instrument where "Cold Box" on a
cart is connected to a shielded mini-cell with three "Hot
Boxes".
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary Dual Module System.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary "Hot Box" Assembly with
self-shielding ("micro-cell").
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary interlocking pig device.
FIG. 5a illustrates the inside view of the exemplary hot box (with
door open).
FIG. 5b illustrates an additional inside view of the exemplary hot
box showing HPLC column (on the right side of the unit).
FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary micro reactor assembly.
FIG. 7a illustrates an exemplary inverted lid with features on the
ceiling that prevent escape of liquids into the vent ports by
surface tension.
FIG. 7b illustrates a new interface base allowing off-chip priming
of reagents close to chip.
FIG. 8a illustrates an exemplary glass chip in a frame
(assembled).
FIG. 8b illustrates an exemplary glass chip with a disassembled
frame.
FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary glass chip with a single-piece
frame with a vertical seal.
FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary macro reactor assembly.
FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-section view of the exemplary hot
box.
FIG. 12 shows an alternative cross-section of the exemplary hot box
(from the back).
FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary "Cold Box" assembly.
FIG. 14 illustrates a partial inside view of an exemplary cold
box.
FIG. 15 shows examples of concepts separated between the exemplary
instrument configurations A (left) and B (right).
FIG. 16a illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary Instrument A
(macro reactor).
FIG. 16b illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary Instrument A-Cold
Box.
FIG. 16c illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary Instrument A-Hot
Box.
FIG. 17a illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary Instrument B
(macro and micro reactors).
FIG. 17b illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary Instrument B-Cold
Box.
FIG. 17c illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary Instrument B-Hot
Box.
FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary .sup.18F--FLT Process Block
Diagram.
FIG. 19 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention
in which a radiosynthetic device is operatively coupled to a
cassette apparatus.
FIG. 20 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention
in which a hot component unit of a radiosynthetic device is
operatively coupled to a cassette apparatus.
FIG. 21 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention
in which a cold component unit of a radiosynthetic device is
operatively coupled to a cassette apparatus.
FIG. 22 shows a cassette device according to an embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of the cassette device according
to the present invention.
FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b) show a cassette with non-disposable
elements.
FIG. 25 shows an example of non-disposable functional elements
disposed on a cassette.
FIG. 26 shows another example of functional elements disposed on a
cassette.
FIG. 27 shows an example cassette embodiment according to the
present invention.
FIG. 28 shows an example of an instrument-cassette interface
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 shows an example of an instrument according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 30 shows an example of a device used to re-use, recycle and/or
re-furbish a cassette.
FIG. 31 shows a flowchart of process steps to perform a cassette
re-cycling function.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
To facilitate the understanding of the disclosed methods, systems
and devices, the following provides a listing of terms and
definitions that are used in the art of organic synthesis,
engineering and pharmaceutical sciences.
The term "hot" means radioactive. In various embodiments of the
present invention, the term "hot" or "Hot" relates to the
radioactive compounds, materials, processes and equipment affected
by radiation and/or handling radiation.
The term "cold" or "Cold" means non-radioactive. In various
embodiments of the present invention, the term "cold" or "Cold"
relates to the non-radioactive compounds, materials, processes and
equipment not affected by radiation and/or handling radiation.
The terms "device", "apparatus", "system" and "instrument" are used
interchangeably herein and are not intended to limit the scope of
the claimed invention.
The term "mini-cell" means a standard shielded enclosure for
radiochemistry modules. Typically, there are no windows or
manipulators and such enclosure was previously designed to host one
synthesis module. Typical dimensions are 27.times.20.times.16.
Another example of the mini-cell disclosed herein relates to the
width of about 27 inches, depth of about 20 inches and height of
about 24 inches.
"Macro reactor" is a conventional glass reactor, the volume of
which is typically from about 5 to about 20 mL.
A "chip" or "microfluidic device" or "microfluidic chip" or
"synthesis chip" is a unit or device that permits the manipulation
and transfer of small amounts of liquid (e.g., microliters or
nanoliters) into a substrate comprising micro-channels. The device
may be configured to allow the manipulation of liquids, including
reagents and solvents, to be transferred or conveyed within the
micro channels and reaction chamber using mechanical or
non-mechanical pumps. The device may be constructed using
micro-electromechanical fabrication methods. Alternatively, the
devices can be machined using computer numerical control (CNC)
techniques. Examples of substrates for forming the device include
glass, quartz or polymer. Such polymers may include PMMA
(polymethylmethacrylate), PC (polycarbonate), PDMS
(polydimethylsiloxane), DCPD (polydicyclopentadiene),
PEEK(polyether ether ketone) and the like. Such devices may
comprise columns, pumps, mixers, valves and the like. Generally,
the microfluidic channels or tubes (sometimes referred to as
micro-channels or capillaries) have at least one cross-sectional
dimension (e.g., height, width, depth, diameter), which by the way
of example, may range from approximately 1,000 .mu.m to 10 .mu.m.
The micro-channels make it possible to manipulate extremely small
volumes of liquid, for example on the order of nL to .mu.L. The
micro reactors may also comprise one or more reservoirs in fluid
communication with one or more of the micro-channels, each
reservoir having, for example, a volume of about 5 to about 1,000
.mu.L.
"Reaction chamber" (sometimes referred to as "reactor" or
"micro-reactor") refers to feature on the microfluidic chip (such
as described here or for example in U.S. Ser. No. 11/514,396, U.S.
Ser. No. 11/540,344, or U.S. Ser. No. 11/701,917, each of which is
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference) where the
reactions may take place. The reaction chamber may, for example, be
cylindrical in shape. The reaction chamber has one or more
micro-channels connected to it that delivers reagents and/or
solvents or are designed for product removal (e.g., controlled by
on-chip valves, or equivalent devices). For example, the reaction
chamber may have a diameter to height ratio of greater than about
0.5 to 10, or more. For example, the reactor height may be about 25
micrometer to about 20,000 micrometers.
"Column" means a device that may be used to separate, purify and/or
concentrate reactants and/or products. Such columns include, for
example, ion exchange and affinity chromatography columns.
A "flow channel" or "channel" means a macro or a microfluidic or
channel through which a fluid, solution, or gas may flow. For
example, such channels may have a cross section of about 0.1 mm to
about 1 mm. For example, the flow channels of embodiments of the
present invention may also have a cross section dimension in the
range of about 0.05 microns to about 1,000 microns. The particular
shape and size of the flow channels depend on the particular
application required for the reaction process, including the
desired throughput, and may be configured and sized according to
the desired application.
"Target water" [.sup.18O] is H2O after bombardment with high-energy
protons in a particle accelerator, such as a cyclotron. It contains
[18F]fluoride.
"Kryptofix" or "K222" is a tradename for commercially available
cryptands. Cryptands are a family of synthetic bi- and polycyclic
multidentate ligands for a variety of cations. These molecules are
three dimensional analogues of crown ethers but are more selective
and complex. The most common and most important cryptand is
N[CH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2OCH.sub.2CH.sub.2].sub.3N. This
compound is termed [2.2.2]cryptand where the numbers indicate the
number of ether oxygen atoms (and hence binding sites) in each of
the three bridges between the amine nitrogen "caps". All-amine
cryptands exhibit particularly high affinity for alkali metal
cations, which has allowed the isolation of salts of K.sup.+.
The term "fluid" means a liquid, vapor, gas, slurry or any
combination thereof.
In one embodiment of the present invention, preparation of target
water is achieved separately from the system disclosed herein. In
one embodiment of the present invention, target water is supplied
to the system from a cartridge; in another embodiment, from a
pre-filled individual vial.
A "valve" (or "micro-valve") means a device that may be controlled
or actuated to control or regulate fluid, gas or solution flow
among various components of the macro- or microfluidic device,
including flow between flow channels, solvent or reagent
reservoirs, reaction chamber, columns, manifold, temperature
controlling elements and devices, and the like. For example, such
valves may include mechanical (or micromechanical valves),
(pressure activated) elastomeric valves, pneumatic valves,
solid-state valves, and other valves adapted for a similar and/or
equivalent function or purpose.
The term "RAD" means a unit of absorbed radiation dose or shorthand
for "radioactive". Also in the flow charts (see, for example, FIGS.
16a, 16c, 17a, and 17c) disclosed herein, "RAD" defines radiation
detectors.
The term "AV" as shown in flow charts (see, for example, FIGS. 16a,
16c, 17a, and 17c) and disclosed herein means an air valve. It can
be, for example, a macro-valve.
The term "LV" as shown in flow charts (see, for example, FIGS. 16a,
16c, 17a, and 17c) and disclosed herein means an liquid valve. It
can be, for example, a macro-valve.
The term "DV" as shown in flow charts (see, for example, FIGS. 16a,
16c, 17a, and 17c) and disclosed herein means a distribution
valve.
The term "RTV" as shown in flow charts (see, for example, FIGS.
16a, 16c, 17a, and 17c) and disclosed herein means a Rheodyne
trapping valve.
The term "RPA" as shown in flow charts (see, for example, FIGS.
16a, 16c, 17a, and 17c) and disclosed herein means an on chip
liquid valve. It can be, for example, a micro-valve.
The term "LPA" as shown in flow charts (see, for example, FIGS.
16a, 16c, 17a, and 17c) and disclosed herein means an on-chip gas
(vent) valve. It can be, for example, a micro-valve.
The term "LG" as shown in flow charts (see, for example, FIGS. 16a,
16c, 17a, and 17c) and disclosed herein means a liquid/gas
detector. Such detectors "sit" on the tubing and provide feedback
regarding current tubing contents.
Examples of such valves may be found, for example, in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/102,822, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
An Interlocking Pig device ("pig") is, for example, a device that
can be plugged into a socket on a self-shielded hot box 10 as shown
in FIGS. 3 and 4 as component 32, forming a completely shielded
path from pig to box for transferring materials through reagent
inlets and/or outlets 40 by a movable socket 42 in and out of the
pig without opening either the pig or the box and without any user
exposure to radiation. A Peltier cooler, heater, or thermoelectric
heat pump is a solid-state active heat pump which transfers heat
from one side of the device to the other side against the
temperature gradient (from cold to hot), with consumption of
electrical energy. Such an instrument is also called a Peltier
device, Peltier heat pump, solid state refrigerator, or
thermoelectric cooler (TEC). Thermoelectric cooling uses the
Peltier effect to create a heat flux between the junction of two
different types of materials.
The term "radioactive isotope" refers to isotopes exhibiting
radioactive decay (e.g., emitting positrons). Such isotopes are
also referred to in the art as radioisotopes or radionuclides.
Radioactive isotopes are named herein using various commonly used
combinations of the name or symbol of the element and its mass
number (e.g., 18F, [F-18], fluorine-18). Exemplary radioactive
isotopes include I-124, F-18, C-11, N-13, and O-15, which have
half-lives of approximately 4.2 days, 110 minutes, 20 minutes, 10
minutes, and 2 minutes, respectively.
The term "reactive precursor" or "precursor" refers to an organic
or inorganic non-radioactive molecule that is reacted with a
radioactive isotope, typically by nucleophilic substitution,
electrophilic substitution, or ionic exchange, to form the
radiopharmaceutical. The chemical nature of the reactive precursor
depends upon the physiological process to be studied. Typically,
the reactive precursor is used to produce a radiolabeled compound
that selectively labels target sites in the body, including the
brain, meaning the compound can be reactive with target sites in
the subject and, where necessary, capable of transport across the
blood-brain barrier. Exemplary organic reactive precursors include
sugars, amino acids, proteins, nucleosides, nucleotides, small
molecule pharmaceuticals, and derivatives thereof. One common
precursor used in the preparation of .sup.18F--FDG is
1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-2-O-trifluoromethanesulfonyl-.beta.-D-mannopyranos-
e. For example, .sup.18F--FLT precursor is
3-N-Boc-1-[5-O-(4,4'-dimethoxytrityl)-3-O-nosyl-2-deoxy-.beta.-D-lyxofura-
nosyl]thymine.
The phrase "reactor temperature" refers to a temperature observed,
measured and/or maintained in the reaction chamber.
"Reaction time" refers to the time allowed for a reaction to run
before the next step takes place.
The phrase "reagent pressure" or "solvent pressure" refers to the
pressure of a gas (usually an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon)
applied to a reagent or solvent vial that drives a reagent or
solvent into a flow channel, e.g. on the way to the reaction
chamber.
The term "module" as used herein means a stand-alone facility or
instrument, or unit or device, or a "plug-in" functional element
that is programmed or designed to perform a specific function or
task. A module may also be, for example, an electronic storage
medium such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, or other memory device, such as an
optical disk, optical tape, CD, or a floppy disk, a hard disk,
flash drive, or a removable cartridge, which may be inserted into a
port (e.g., a USB port) or interconnector, on which digital
information is stored in the form of bits. It may also include
recorders to record to and read from mass storage devices such as,
for example, optical disks, magnetic disks, flash semiconductor
disks, and other types of storage which may be temporary or
permanent.
The phrase "time of reagent filling" or "time of solvent filling"
refers to the time allowed for a reagent or solvent to enter the
chip before the on-chip valve closes, thereby inhibiting passage of
additional reagent or solvent into the reaction chamber.
The term "evaporation" refers to the change in state of solvent
from liquid to gas that is usually followed by removal of that gas
from the reactor. One method for removing gas is effected by
applying a vacuum. Various solvents are evaporated during the
synthetic route disclosed herein, such as for example acetonitrile
and water. For example, each solvent, such as acetonitrile and
water, may have a different evaporation time and/or
temperature.
In another embodiment of the present invention the evaporation
takes place by heating the reaction chamber while introducing an
inert gas over the reaction mixture to effect the removal of vapors
from the reaction chambers.
In another embodiment of the present invention the evaporation can
be affected by changes in pressure. For example, the evaporation
can start under low pressure and end under high pressure or the
evaporation can start under positive pressure and end under
vacuum.
The term "elution" generally refers to removal of a compound from a
particular location. Elution of [F-18]fluoride from the ion
exchange column refers to the conveyance of [F-18]fluoride by the
eluting solution from the column to the reaction chamber. Elution
of product from the reaction chamber refers to conveyance of the
product from the reaction chamber to the off-chip product vial (or
into the purification system) by, for example, flushing the
reaction chamber with a volume of solvent, e.g. water.
The "off/on time" in reference to the vacuum (or gas pressure)
applied at a point in the system refers to the point in time of the
radiosynthesis operation when the vacuum (or gas pressure) is
turned "on" or "off".
"Inert gas pressure", including "nitrogen pressure" or "argon
pressure" refers to pressure of inert gas, such as nitrogen or
argon, allowed past a given regulator.
The phrase "internal filter" refers to a vial, a syringe or another
container that is filled with absorbent material such as charcoal
and comprises two ports. When the exhaust from the chip is passed
through such a filter, radioactive and nonradioactive contaminants
are generally caught by and stay on the filter. After passage of
the reaction exhaust through an internal filter purified gas is
released into the atmosphere. Use of an appropriate internal filter
reduces or even eliminates the need for an additional exhaust
processing for safe operation of the portable system. In one
embodiment, it is not necessary to operate the portable system
disclosed herein in a fume hood.
The term "priming" when used in reference to a reagent flow channel
refers to conveying a reagent through the flow channel connecting
the reagent source and the reaction chamber, wherein the reagent
flow passes a closed on-chip valve and flows via an open flow
channel to a waste receptacle. In this fashion, when the reagent is
to be added to the reaction chamber, the corresponding on-chip
valve is opened and pneumatic actuation conveys the reagent from
the primed flow channel into the reaction chamber with minimal
delay.
In the alternative, when a flow channel is not primed, the reagent
must travel the length of the flow channel from the reagent source
to the reaction chamber, displacing the gas in that path through
the reaction chamber and an open vent channel on the synthesis
chip. This can lead to losses of reagents or solvents, which is
avoided by priming the flow channel. Analogously, when appropriate,
the term `priming` can be used in reference to a solvent flow
channel. An alternative priming technique involves moving the
reagent from the reagent vial up to the reactor while displacing
the gas out of the line in front of the reagent into the waste but
not letting the reagent go to waste (accomplished with a 3-way
valve mounted on interface base). When the reagent is needed ion
the reactor, this valve is switched to deliver the entire volume
(not a fraction) of reagent to the reactor with minimal delay and
without pushing gas through the reactor.
The phrase "pre-packaged disposable reagent cartridge" or "reagent
cartridge" refers to an apparatus or device designed to fit
removably and interchangeably into or onto an automated system
described herein. The reagent(s) held within the cartridge, after
fitting the cartridge into the system described herein, can be
conveyed to the chip or reactor or reaction chamber. When
appropriate for the preparation of a radiolabeled compound, the
reagent cartridge may contain solvents as well as reagents.
Alternately, solvents may be provided separately from the reagents.
Reagent kits may comprise various number and type of reagent
cartridges.
Various prototype components of the system described herein are
disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT/US2008/060267
published as WO 2008/128201 and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.
12/011,220 and 12/102,822, which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
The present invention (one embodiment of which is illustrated in
FIG. 1) relies on an instrument which is split into two separate
units: a "hot box", for example, 10, which contains all
radiation-handling components, and a separate "cold box" such as,
for example, 12 containing all electronics, reagents and pumps
(everything that does not handle radiation directly). The two units
are connected via an approximately 20-feet bundle of cables and
tubing 14. The bundle of cables and tubing connecting the "hot" and
"cold" boxes is equipped with a Safety Radiation Detector (shown as
part 272 in FIG. 17c).
The hot box can be either encased in its own shield (as shown in
FIG. 3), or can be placed into a mini cell with optional additional
hot boxes (as shown in FIG. 1), Either option allows protection of
electronics from radiation and remote access to reagents without
user exposure. Also the footprint of the instrument occupying
shielded area is minimized such that one can fit 3 instruments such
as, for example, three copies of instrument 10 in one mini-cell 16
side by side. The instrument is designed such that escape of
radiation out of the hot box is not possible during normal
operation. And for the cases of abnormal operation, there is an
automated response system which stops all transfers if an unwanted
release is detected. It is conceivable that one cold box such as 12
can be used to control multiple hot boxes such as 10.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to dual
module "Hot Box-Cold Box" Instrument (FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 2,
the hot box 10, can be a self-shielded unit containing all
radiation-handling components. The cold box 20 comprises a liquid
handling components 21, a PC 22, an HPLC pump 23, and a compartment
24 containing reagent bottles 25 on the outside and all electronic
components inside (not shown here, but shown as part 26 in FIG.
14). An alternative view of the cold box is shown on FIG. 13 and a
partial inside view of an exemplary cold box is shown in FIG. 14.
FIG. 14 shows liquid handling components 21, HPLC pump 23, and
electronic components 26, protected by front and back covers of
compartment 24. As shown on FIG. 3, the micro-cell shield 30 is
equipped with an interlocking pig device 32 (shown in more detail
in FIG. 4), which is used for delivery of raw isotope to the hot
box 10 and to collect the product from the hot box without user
exposure. When using such device in order to transfer activity, the
user does not need to open the pig or the shield.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to "Cold
Box" containing electronic equipment and non-radioactive reagents
(FIGS. 13 and 14), and which is easy in exploitation and safe to
the user.
Other embodiments are directed to the following features of the
present invention:
Ion exchange column (an example of which is shown as component 210
in FIG. 17c). Most frit materials lead to either clogging of frits
or significant variation in back pressure, or retention of F-18
fluoride. The current invention resolves this by using fits made
out of glass. They provide low flow resistance and do not clog. The
use of glass frits on ion-exchange columns allows uniform pore
size, inertness and robustness unlike metals, PEEK, PE and other
traditional choices.
Trapping/release of F-18 fluoride. During release K.sub.2CO.sub.3
solution is passed through the column. As it enters the column the
back pressure is low, but extra pressure needs to be generated
behind the release solution in order to push it through the column.
The solution comes out of the column slowly, but as soon as the
last portion of liquid is out, the back pressure vents through the
column accelerating the solution towards the chip rapidly. In order
to avoid rapid uncontrolled entrance of the release solution into
the chip, an expansion tube was added to the instrument. This is
about 6-feet and about 0.030'' ID line placed between the column
and the chip. The release solution travels rapidly through this
tube until the back pressure has been released (which happens
before the solution reaches the chip.) Then the Loop valve
controlling UE column is switched from Release to Trap and more gas
is dispensed into this line. But this time it does not have to go
through the column and overcome its resistance. It can drive the
release solution into the chip in a controlled manner (by
dispensing a known volume of gas at a known rate with a
syringe).
Whether or not the expansion tube is used, some F-18 usually
remains in the plumbing between the column and chip, and some even
on the column. In order to maximize the use of F-18, the new
instrument as described herein sends the K222 solution behind
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 through the same lines and I/E column to mop up the
remaining F-18. (In the earlier systems K222 was added to the
reactor through its own dedicated line. In some macro reactors K222
and K.sub.2CO.sub.3 solutions are mixed prior to release, which
significantly impairs the efficiency of release and requires large
volumes.)
Chip: An exemplary chip assembly is shown as a part of the hot box
assembly in FIG. 5a (component 228, as also shown in FIG. 17c) and
as a separate component in FIG. 6. Unwanted loss of liquids into
the vent during drying or filling is now prevented with a vertical
step coupled with a ring arrangement of posts on the ceiling 71 of
a chip lid 70 (FIG. 7a). FIG. 7a shows the inverted lid 70 with
features on the ceiling 71 that prevent escape of liquids into the
vent ports by surface tension. These provide barriers for liquid on
its way to the vent ports that are stopping this liquid by surface
tension. The liquid needs certain threshold velocity in order to
overcome a 90-degree corner, which is much higher than that
necessary to move liquid along a flat surface. This lid chip may be
made of glass, Teflon.TM. AF, Ultem, pDCPD or other inert and at
least partially transparent material. Non-transparent materials may
also be used, but they may reduce visual monitoring of reactor
contents. Some of the part of the exemplary microreactor assembly
(also part 228 in FIG. 17c) are shown in FIG. 6: 8 chip actuators
60 (some partial view only), 3 plungers 76 (some not shown),
microfluidic chip having lid frame 70 and interface base 77 (other
parts not shown), and shield for Radiation detector (not shown).
Chip assembly 228 can be also seen in FIG. 11, also showing the
location of a chip heater 1100.
UV signal: In order to minimize space and cost, the expensive UV
light source coupled to the flow cell via an optic fiber has been
replaced with an LED of a given wavelength connected directly to
the flow cell. In another embodiment of the present invention a
variable-wavelength UV light source is coupled to the flow cell via
fiber optics.
Bypass plungers. Bypass plungers 76 (FIG. 7b) have a tendency to
clog the priming lines. Since priming involves using excess
solutions, loss of 10-100 .mu.L of these solutions (solvents, acid,
base) does not have a large impact. The on-chip valves are 2-way
valves and the interface base is equipped with SMC (or other) 3-way
liquid valves that are used for priming (FIG. 7b). FIG. 7b shows a
new interface base 77 (also shown in FIG. 9) allowing off-chip
priming of reagents close to chip. On-chip priming can be used in
order to avoid the need to move massive amounts of gas in front of
reagents through a partially filled reactor (see part 90 in FIG.
9). While the current invention involves moving gas in front of
liquid, that volume is minimal (5-20 .mu.L) and constant every time
because the long multi-foot lines are primed with liquid.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the chip
comprising soft plunger tips in it that mate to metal plungers that
stay permanently within the instrument. Such soft plunger tips are
multi-use consumables.
Dryness monitoring. Reactor dryness can be monitored by a flow
meter (shown as part 122 in FIG. 17b). If the flow meter is placed
in a gas line upstream of the chip, the user will watch for the
flow rate to increase once the chip is free of solvent vapors. If
the flow meter is placed downstream of the chip, the user will
watch for the flow to decrease once the vapors are gone.
Material. pDCPD tends to acquire brown color after just a few runs
with acid or high amounts of radiation. Telene.RTM. pDCPD is a
polymer based on polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD). Besides going to
glass chips, it is also possible to extend the lifetime of pDCPD
chips by parylene coating. Parylene is the tradename for a variety
of chemical vapor deposited poly(p-xylene) polymers used as
moisture barriers and electrical insulators. Among them, Parylene C
is the most popular due to its combination of barrier properties,
cost, and other manufacturing advantages. Parylene is a green
chemistry, which is self-initiated (no initiator needed) and
un-terminated (no termination group needed) with no solvent or
catalyst required. The precursor, [2.2]paracyclophane, yields 100%
monomer and initiator and does not yield any by-products. Parylene
C and to a lesser extent AF-4, SF, HT (all the same polymer) are
used for coating printed circuit boards (PCBs) and medical devices.
There are numerous other applications as parylene is an excellent
moisture barrier. It is the most bio-accepted coating for stents,
defibrillators, pacemakers and other devices permanently implanted
into the body.
Chip exchange. The chip can be supplied with plunger tips inserted
into it but without plungers. The plungers are a permanent fixture
on the instrument. When the chip is inserted they are retracted and
then actuated to "pick up" the new tips inside the chip. This
reduces the cost of chips and simplifies chip exchange (each
plunger does not need to be aligned with a corresponding
"fork").
While conventional techniques applied heat transfer material to the
top of the heater before inserting the chip, such process requires
perfect alignment of the chip at all times during its insertion in
order to avoid contamination of the interface with the heat
transfer material or paste. A solution to this problem can be
realized by using a syringe to dispense a precise amount of paste
into the counter bore of the chip prior to insertion. That surface
is unlikely to come in contact with anything other than the heater
(and only at the final moment of chip insertion). It allows for
aligning the chip as necessary during insertion without
contamination.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the chip
with pre-dispensed heat-transfer compound that cannot be
accidentally smeared and cause contamination. The chip has a pocket
which mates with the heater protrusion. Rather than placing the
heat transfer material on the protrusion (where it can easily get
smeared) the present invention places it within the pocket (hard to
reach) where it is safe from contamination.
Chips can be pre-aligned manually or by an alignment device.
Alternatively, there may be a self-aligning system where the
non-aligned chip is aligned as it is inserted into the instrument.
Also, it is possible to have a chip container (for shipment and
storage) which either preserves the alignment, or even aligns a
non-aligned chip.
Glass-PEEK chip. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is an organic
polymer thermoplastic used in engineering applications. Whereas
earlier applications mentions glass-PEEK arrangements, it does not
show how to realize such an invention in case when valves are
required in the chip lid. This arrangement requires an exemplary
frame 80 to be split into 2 parts 81 and 82 which sandwich the chip
83 between them and seal with it via 2 o-rings 84 (the two parts
are bolted together to hold the chip (FIGS. 8a and 8b). An
alternative solution is to use the bolts that hold the chip down to
create the seal. In order to realize this, the ports coining out of
the glass part have to be vertical and reach the top surface
outside the window necessary for viewing. Then the frame can be
bolted down on top of the glass and seal vertically. This makes
frame one piece, which leads to a more uniform sealing. Another
exemplary full chip assembly including interference base 77,
microfluidic reactor 90, glass lid 70, 2 o-rings 92, and lid frame
94 are shown in FIG. 9.
Method of evaporation. The evaporation is fast when the solution
touches the heated floor of the reactor, and slow at the last
stages when the condensation has to be removed from the ceiling.
Best evaporation method involves low pressure in the beginning (in
order not to suppress heat-driven evaporation). Once the liquid is
off the reactor floor the pressure can go up and drive evaporation
off the ceiling forward by high flow.
Release solution. A tube filled with multiple slugs of
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 followed by a pre-measured amount of K222 can be
used as a consumable in every run. This removes 2 syringes from the
system, assures repeatability and simplifies the process. This tube
is loaded off-instrument and replaces the corresponding reagent
vials (which cannot host multiple 1-.mu.L fractions of
solution).
As shown in FIG. 14, HPLC pump is a part of the cold box. It
handles only solvents (large volume, non-reactive entities).
According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, one
cold box may run multiple hot boxes. Previously, even when the HPLC
pump was placed outside the radiation-handling equipment, it was
not configured to support multiple sets of "hot" purification
systems.
As shown in FIG. 12, the back side of the hot box 10 has a panel
2100 of outlets and for inlets connecting the cold box to the hot
box via lines 1-17 (18, 19-spare), ports 2102 for electrical
connections, port 2104 for house air, Ethernet port 2106. From this
view, an HPLC radiation detector 270 and multiple liquid valves
2108 (LVs, such as 207, 246, etc.), and the micro reactor 251 can
be seen.
Previously reagents have been typically handled inside the same
unit handling radiation-related components. The instrument as
disclosed herein represents a new feature, where radiation-handling
components are located in the separate hot box and
non-radiation-related components are combined in the cold box,
wherein the hot and cold boxes are coupled via a bundle of cables
and tubing. It has not been previously shown that the entire
synthesis instrument alone (not just without purification) can be
split into the stand alone hot and cold units connected by cables
and tubing.
Furthermore, the instrument as disclosed herein is distinguished
from the instruments with "localized shielding" (compartments of
one instrument are individually shielded within such instrument).
Localized shielding does not allow high-scale runs. Splitting the
instrument into two units and placing the hot box into a mini-cell
allows multiple high-scale runs without user exposure to
radiation.
It has been discovered that breaking up the release solution into
multiple boluses increases the efficiency of release. If one bolus
is sent through a tube packed with glass beads, the train of
multiple boluses separated by air bubbles comes out the other end.
No valves or syringes are required to achieve this. Same volume of
release solution works much more efficiently if it is broken into
several gas-separated droplets (boluses) than as one continuous
bolus. It releases more F-18 off the column. It has been discovered
that a single bolus can be broken into multiple (irregular but
still just as effective) boluses by passing it through a column of
packed glass beads with no valves since the liquid picks up air
bubbles stuck between the beads. The important factor is the number
of gas/liquid interfaces rather than the uniformity of boluses.
Embodiments of the present invention allow multiple sequential high
activity mini-cell-based runs with the benefits that are typically
realized with low activity self-shielded runs in previous
devices.
Embodiments of the present invention draw extra advantages from
parallel processing. For example, a reagent may be primed while
evaporation is ongoing.
One of the embodiments of the present invention is directed to a
self-shielded instrument where the entire hot box is encased into a
shield and there is no shielding required for the cold box, which
is a separate unit connected to the hot box via a bundle of cables
and tubing. The instrument comprises two or more units. The
instrument according to one of the embodiments of the present
invention is also conceptually different from the instruments with
"localized shielding" which implies shielded compartments within
one instrument.
In case of leaks out of the chip, the new invention protects the
Peltier device by a special basin for collecting unwanted liquid on
top of it.
One of the embodiments of the present invention relates to the
instrument capable of handling the entire process from target water
to purified injectable product which fits into a hot cell. Most of
the users prefer to use mini-cells. Commercial macro-scale
instruments can be small enough to fit into mini cells in a
one-to-one arrangement. This invention allows a three-to-one
arrangement where three instruments can simultaneously share one
mini-cell.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
self-shielded version allowing practical operation, which is safe
for the user for about 500 mCi or less. The self-shielded hot box
removed from the user becomes suitable for higher scales.
The self-shielded instrument of the present invention allows
multiple runs without user exposure since the starting materials,
solvent and other reagents are removed from the synthesis unit and
are shielded from the radiation-handling components. Previously
known instruments operated in a hot cell are the one-run
instruments because in order to refill the reagents between runs,
the user needs to enter the hot cell and receive a dose of
radiation.
According to one of the embodiments of the present invention,
electronic components (such as data acquisition boards) do not have
to be replaced as frequently as they do not suffer damage from
radiation as was previously seen with self-standing radiosynthesis
systems. All electronic components are placed into the cold box
unit of the instrument, which is moved about 20 feet from the unit
operated in a hot cell (with large amounts of activity).
According to another embodiment, the instrument of the present
invention overcomes the following drawbacks of the earlier
introduced radiosynthesis devices:
The chips are susceptible to loss of liquid into the vents under
certain conditions (which are abnormal, but occasionally
possible).
Although release of F-18 from the ion exchange column is very
efficient, a measurable amount of it (5-10%) may be lost in transit
from column to chip.
The latter solution may enter the chip at different
(uncontrollable) rates as it emerges out of the ion exchange column
under pressure.
Bypass plungers are prone to occlusion of priming pathways after
several uses. This leads to over pressurized lines and instrument
failure.
In case of chip seal failure, the liquid escaping out of the chip
runs down the heater block and into the Peltier unit causing it to
burn out.
One of the most significant problems with previous systems was that
when performing multiple high scale runs, the self-shielded unit
(although designed for multiple runs) could only handle
approximately 500 mCi of radiation and could not be placed inside a
mini-cell for high activity runs because that would enclose the
reagents inside the mini-cell and damage the electronics.
In order to address these issues the instrument according to
various embodiments of the present invention, has been designed
conceptually different.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a device for
automated radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound, comprising a
self-shielded "hot box" with a macro reactor and a "cold box"
containing the reagents' sources in fluid communication with the
macro reactor, a gas and fluid delivery and removal network, and a
controller adapted to control the operation of the network, An
exemplary macro reactor 251 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) is also shown in
FIG. 10 as having a reaction chamber 1000, macro heater 1002, and
radiation detector sensor 1004 (other parts are not referenced in
this figure).
In another embodiment, the system further comprises a camera for
monitoring a reaction chamber within the microfluidic chip or macro
reactor.
According to another embodiment, the device further comprises a
Machine Vision system adapted to recognize the completion of one or
more steps in accordance with information received from the camera
50 (see an exemplary camera assembly in, for example, FIGS. 5a and
5b). In one embodiment, a second step is started upon immediate
completion of a first step.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, the
device is configured to operate in a batch mode.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument comprising a system of two or more valves that can send
any reagent to any location (see, for example, FIGS. 5a and 17c and
Table 1b, parts 255 and 257). The system can use at least from
about 2 to 20 various reagents, which can be delivered to any of at
least 2-20 receiving locations (valves, vials, reservoirs,
reactors, etc.). Various custom designs can incorporate more than
20 reagents and more than 20 locations for processing such
reagents.
In another embodiment, the controller comprises a programmable
logic controller and a user interface. In one embodiment, the user
interface is configured to affect at least one of a manual and an
automatic operation of the device.
According to another embodiment, the device further comprises one
or more internal filters for removal of exhaust.
In another embodiment, the self-shielding of the radiation-handling
unit prevents user exposure to radiation in multiple synthesis runs
conducted by the user.
In another embodiment, the device further comprises metering of
reagents. Some reagents supplied in bulk (like solvents) are
metered by metering pumps (see, for example FIG. 17b and Table 1a,
parts 128, 130, 132), which deliver a specified fraction of a large
total volume loaded onto the instrument.
In another embodiment the instrument is equipped with zero-waste
fixtures (ZWF). Zero waste fixtures deliver pre-metered reagents
where the entire amount loaded onto the box gets into the
reactor.
A further embodiment of the present invention is related to a
method for conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in
an instrument comprising two separate units: a "cold" unit and a
remote "hot" unit, which are connected with a bundle of cables and
tubing (i.e., an umbilical of wires and tubing).
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method
where all reagents are driven from cold box to hot box before F-18
delivery and are ready to be dispensed into the reactor right next
to the reactor. This is not the case even in modules with onboard
reagents without the "cold box". The reagents have to travel
through the fluid network of channels to get from their reservoirs
to the reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method
of passing K222 solution behind K.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution to
maximize F-18 transfer from ion exchange column into reactor.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
releasing [F-18]fluoride from the ion exchange column with a
fraction of aqueous K.sub.2CO.sub.3 followed by a mixture of
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and K.sub.222 in H.sub.2O and MeCN mixture of
solvents.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
increasing the efficiency of the F-18 release comprising passing
the solution bolus through a tube packed with glass beads to
provide a train of multiple boluses.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the release
of [F-18]fluoride from ion exchange column with a single fraction
of K.sub.2CO.sub.3 followed by K222.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, release
of [F-18]fluoride from ion exchange column with a fraction of
aqueous K.sub.2CO.sub.3 is followed by a mixture of K.sub.2CO.sub.3
and K222 in H.sub.2O and MeCN mixture of solvents.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the method of
releasing [F-18]fluoride from ion exchange column with a fraction
of aqueous. K.sub.2CO.sub.3 followed by a mixture of
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and K222 in H.sub.2O and MeCN mixture of solvents
is used when the multiple bolus-generating method is not
suitable.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method
for F-18 release using multiple fractions of eluent. This method is
more efficient than when using a single fraction.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method
of F-18 elution involving release direction and trapping direction
being opposite. Most F-18 is trapped at the beginning of the
column, so if it is released in the same direction, it will have to
equilibrate along the entire column before being finally released.
If released in reverse, it comes right off the end, maximizing the
total percentage of released F-18 with the same volume of release
reagent. The said reagent may comprise carbonates (CO.sub.3.sup.-),
which include, but are not limited to sodium carbonate
(Na.sub.2CO.sub.3), potassium carbonate (K.sub.2CO.sub.3), cesium
carbonate (Cs.sub.2CO.sub.3), and trialkyl ammonium carbonates, and
phase transfer reagents, which include, but are not limited to
Kryptofix 2.2.2, crown ethers, and tetraalkyl ammonium salts.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
loading HPLC injection loop by moving liquids with pressure (not a
syringe), which is enabled by specific positioning of liquid-gas
interface detectors.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
conducting multiple runs comprising radiosyntheses of different
products without opening shielded enclosures.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument capable of carrying out an unlimited number of
radiosynthesis runs without user exposure. This is assured by "no
consumable single-use components" inside the "hot box". An
exemplary version of the instrument has 20 SP cartridges (see, for
example, FIG. 11, cartridges 256) meaning that 20 runs is the
limit. However, another exemplary version of the instrument has a
newly discovered "cleanable Solid Phase Extractor (SPE)". The
concept of a cleanable and reusable SPE allows the elimination the
last single-use component. In previous instruments all hardware
elements and components, such as, for example, SPEs, ion-exchange
columns, filters, and others are consumables, meaning require
replacement of service after each run.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument with no single use consumables, meaning that all
"consumables" can be used for an unlimited number of runs.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument, where the hot box comprises a reusable Solid Phase
Extractor (SPE) and a reusable Ion Exchange (I/E) Column.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the cold box
containing all system-controlling hardware.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument as described herein, with a reagent-loading system
relying on a pre-loaded tube with multiple reagents separated by
air pockets, such as, for example, K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and K222.
Additionally, other combinations are possible, including loading
the entire reagent set into one tube and preventing the reagents
from mixing with each other by separating them with air
pockets.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument capable of parallel syntheses of multiple tracers (not
parallel cleaning and operation, but making several compounds at
the same time).
It has to be noted that there is a difference between a stand-alone
mini-cell based instrument and a self-shielded instrument. Unless
the mini cell is plumbed directly to the cyclotron with a shielded
path, it is difficult to deliver isotope to the instrument without
user exposure. (In some setups that do not have cyclotrons, but
have hot labs, people are subjected to exposure when they need to
get the isotope into the hot cell). In one of the embodiments of
the present invention, the self shielded instrument comprises a
plug-in pig device, which is used to bring activity into the system
without opening any part of it and thus, with zero user
exposure.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
avoiding radiolysis during the radiosynthesis process. Radiolysis
is chemical decomposition of material in presence of radiation.
Traditionally, radiolysis is proportional to concentration (high at
high concentrations), and it is known to use stabilizers such as
ascorbic acid to reduce radiolysis of the desired products.
According to one of the embodiments of the present invention, the
instrument is designed to minimize the time the product spends in a
concentrated solution. The solution is dilute up to the point it
gets onto the I/E column. When it enters the reactor, the reactions
occur rapidly and then the reaction mixture is diluted to a safe
concentration. The time in concentrated solution can be minimized
by operating the process inside a microfluidic chip.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of
bringing all reagents into the reactor via one line as well as
bringing all reagents from the cold box to the hot box through the
same line.
In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a
fully-automated synthesis of biomarkers, or radiolabeled
pharmaceuticals, for positron emission tomography (PET). Some of
the advantages associated with the various embodiments of the
present invention include, for example, the ability to synthesize
compounds on demand and in a flexible manner. Other advantages of
the various embodiments of the present invention include the
ability to synthesize multiple products sequentially or at the same
time without user exposure to radiation between the runs (which is
inevitable in conventional systems).
The presently disclosed system can contain mechanisms to add
additional reagent modules, additional waste modules, and
additional synthesis modules to allow the system to be used for
different biomarkers simultaneously. Alternatively, the basic
system can be used for sequential synthesis of different biomarkers
involving the same or different number and order of steps. The
instrument may be reused without hardware modifications, or with
single-use cartridges that are pre-loaded with reagents and/or
solvents for a single run. This ease of use enables tremendous
flexibility in a research environment or in specialized clinical
situations, where on-demand synthesis of biomarkers is needed, such
as when several patients in the same day require different scans
performed with different biomarkers.
One embodiment of the present invention is directed to an automated
instrument that is easy to use and flexible. As such, the system
enables non-experts to synthesize a variety of PET biomarkers on
demand for biomarker development, synthesis-optimization, and
testing. In another embodiment, the present invention provides an
instrument that can be deployed in hospitals further from
cyclotrons than is currently possible. The presently disclosed
embodiments of devices enable synthesis of fresh product on demand
as contrasted to the decayed products associated with conventional
systems that require delivery from a centralized (and perhaps
distant) synthesis facility. This type of on-site instrument
greatly expands the accessibility of PET scanning to additional
clinics, patients and research labs, and provides additional
flexibility in obtaining desired biomarkers (with high specific
activity) that goes beyond what is available from the local
radiopharmacy. Furthermore, it allows multiple tracers to be
produced in one day with one instrument.
In one embodiment, automated systems disclosed herein include those
which comprise a disposable reagent cartridge. Using such a
cartridge has a number of advantages including simplified set-up,
rapid change between production runs, pre-run automated diagnostic
checking of the cartridge and reagents, reagent traceability,
single-use, tamper and abuse resistance. Substitution of a reagent
cartridge eliminates the need to design an entirely new automated
synthetic system each time a different radiopharmaceutical is to be
prepared. The system described herein allows cartridge exchange
without opening the shield and exposing the user to radiation
(unlike current commercial systems). Such cartridges or kits can be
used with the cold box. They allow quick and fail-safe preparation
for runs. A kit is defined herein as a set of reagents. A cartridge
is defined herein as a plug-in cassette (hardware) that contains
all the reagents and sometimes reagent paths in it.
Suitable heat sources for use in the synthetic systems disclosed
herein include, but are not limited to, resistive heating,
localized and non-localized microwave heating and Peltier
devices.
In one of the embodiment of the present invention, the heat source
is a Peltier device. Additionally, in case of leaks out of the
chip, Peltier device of the present invention is protected by a
special basin for collecting unwanted liquid on top of it.
Various sensors for example, flow sensors, liquid-gas interface
sensors, radioactivity sensors, pressure sensors, temperature
sensors, and other sensing devices that are capable of performing
the desired sensing function and other apparatus components (e.g.,
valves, switches, etc.) can be integrated into the system and
connected to a computer or processing module for process control
and monitoring purposes.
The synthetic systems disclosed herein comprise macro and
microfluidic synthesis reactors (see, for example FIGS. 10 and 6),
in which, for example, reagents are mixed and heated, solvents are
exchanged, to carry out the desired chemical process.
In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a
self-shielded fully-automated radiosynthesis instrument based on
batch-mode macro and microfluidic device.
Instruments and systems as described herein when used for
radiochemical synthesis allow biomarkers as well as other compounds
and compositions to be made with higher efficiency. Such devices
enable production of new biomarkers allowing multi-run syntheses to
be performed in one hot mini-cell, where each hot box may be
functioning in parallel with the other or according to an
individually selected protocol. Such arrangements enable the
researchers to perform rapid optimizations of reaction
conditions.
The present invention is directed to the system where a typical
mini-cell comprises more than one unit, each equipped to carry out
a radiosynthetic protocol including synthesis, purification and
formulation procedures. This feature distinguishes the system
disclosed herein from other systems on the market, which offer
three units per mini-cell, where only one of the three would do
only synthesis, one-only purification and one-only formulation.
None of the units is configured to carry out all three processes if
needed. (For example, synthesis unit does not have HPLC
capabilities, and purification unit is not equipped with a
reactor).
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument where different processes can take place in individual
hot boxes within the mini-cell at the same time. Intermediate
purification with a single reactor (for example, reactor is cleaned
while the intermediate is purified). The system allows cleaning of
certain parts within the box while still using other parts (for
example, synthesis and purification).
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the
instrument capable of adjusting preset protocols and procedures.
The software allows tuning and adjustment of the initial protocol
based on live feedback such as pressure, flow, temperature,
radiation or color detection.
The various embodiments of the present invention describe fully
automated radiosynthesis (e.g. from target water to purified
product in an injectable formulation) to take place in a single
instrument run in a fully automated (e.g., one touch) manner, or
allowing individual step control. The various example embodiments
disclosed herein can be used for either discovery and/or production
of known biomarkers in an automated mode, as well as for
development of new biomarkers in a mode with individual step
control.
A more detailed description of the reagent flow and delivery
mechanism, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention, is described herein in connection with FIGS. 16
and 17. Implementation of these schemes in the instrument allows
priming of all reagents, delivery of reagents to the reactor,
collection of products and miming multiple reaction cycles
intermittent with cleaning cycles. An exemplary Instrument A (macro
reactor only) operation, comprising cold and hot boxes is shown in
FIG. 16. An exemplary Instrument B (micro and macro reactors)
operation, comprising cold and hot boxes is shown in FIG. 17. In
FIGS. 16a, 16b, 16c, 17a, 17b, and 17c lines 1-17 exemplify the
flow lines or tubing connecting corresponding components of the
cold and hot boxes. FIGS. 16b and 17b are the separate
illustrations of the cold boxes of the corresponding instruments A
and B, where uploading of reagents and preparation for their
delivery into hot box takes place. FIGS. 16c and 17c show the flow
charts or a diagrams of the hot boxes of the corresponding
exemplary instruments A and B, where the reagents are being
delivered to and processed according to the desired radiosynthesis
protocol.
The systems disclosed herein have demonstrated significant yield
and reaction time improvements, particularly over conventional
chemistry.
One exemplary system automates the chip operation through a Visual
Basic program and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The
automation process also provides automated product isolation
capability.
The hardware disclosed herein can be controlled using various
electronic hardware instrumentations and devices. For example, a
PC-104 based system may be used with 16 analog inputs, 10 analog
outputs, 8 digital inputs, and 48 digital outputs. The controller
can run, for example, embedded Windows-NT software that
communicates via an Ethernet connection to a standard PC running
the FIX32 automation software, an automation language that allows
simple construction of graphical interfaces to visualize what is
happening in the hardware and to control the various valves and
other components. The interface may allow various modes of
operation such as fully-automated, manual, or step-wise
operations.
In one embodiment, the control software may access individual
digital outputs (e.g., 2-way and 3-way valves, on-chip valves,
temperature control system, heater enable, cooler enable, vacuum
system, rotary injector, and other system components) and analog
outputs (e.g., temperature set point, and other outputs). Analog
inputs (e.g., reactor temperature, vent channel pressure, radiation
levels) may be scaled to engineering units for monitoring on the
main screen.
In addition to the interactive graphical interface described
herein, dozens of scripts automate the process steps described
herein. Each subprogram may perform a sequence of simple operations
such as changing the state of a valve, waiting for a fixed amount
of time, or waiting for particular value of an input (e.g. heating
until the reactor reaches a specified temperature). The system in
accordance with various embodiments of the present invention is
capable of repeatably producing purified human-scale amounts of
.sup.18F--FLT and other materials, which include, by way of
example, FHBG, Fallypride, and FMiso, in an automated fashion (the
steps in the radiosynthesis are initiated with a single button on
the computer screen).
Another embodiment of the present invention involves a program code
embodied on a computer-readable medium, the program code comprising
instructions for causing a controller to implement a method for
radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound using a microfluidic chip
or a macro reactor, the method comprising introducing one or more
reagents into a reaction chamber of a chip or macro reactor,
operating the synthesis system to process the reagent(s) responsive
to a predetermined algorithm to generate a radiolabeled compound,
and collecting the radiolabeled compound.
In another embodiment the entire process starting with radionuclide
received from the cyclotron and finishing with a purified product
in an injectable formulation is performed automatically without
user intervention.
In a fully-automated system, the needed reaction times may be
optimized, and a simple script, for example, in FIX32, may be
written to execute all the operations in sequence. A working
example may involve automated unit operations, such as filling,
which in turn involve multiple sub-steps. The "unit operation"
scripts may be designed to be "parameterized". That is, in a single
place, an operator may set the flow times, reaction times, and
heating temperatures. The automated script may then read all the
information and adjusts the synthesis run accordingly. The
automated operation may also be initiated, for example, by a simple
user click on a `start` icon that is part of the user interface.
The systems in accordance with embodiments of the present invention
provide a fully automated hands free operation of the entire
radiosynthesis cycle on a microfluidic device or macro reactor
yielding purified PET radiotracer.
In another embodiment, the instrument comprises internal filters
which enable operation without any additional exhaust and doesn't
require a fume hood.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the hardware disclosed herein may be controlled using a
PC, a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), and a Software control
program written in Visual Basic. The PLC may control all of the I/O
in the instrument using, analog inputs and outputs, relay outputs,
digital inputs and outputs, and a Ladder Logic program. The
standard PC, using, for example, a Visual Basic control software,
may control the PLC and precision pumps using serial communication.
This provides a very detailed graphical interface allowing
visualization of what is happening in the hardware, and controlling
the various valves, pumps, heaters and other components. The
interface may also allow various modes of operation such as
fully-automated, semi-automated, and manual.
In accordance with an example embodiment, in the Manual mode of
operation, the control software may allow individual control of all
of the components and processes in the instrument through button
clicks and text input from the User Interface screen.
In accordance with an example embodiment, in the Semi-Automated
mode of operation, various subroutines adapted for automated
control of various processes such as, Initializing, Priming,
Filling, Evaporation, Hydrolysis, Fluorination, and others may be
used. Also, each of the automated steps may allow for particular
values of input (e.g. temperature, pressure, flow rate, volume, and
time).
In accordance with another embodiment, in the fully-automated mode
of operation, the systems provide a fully automated hands free
operation of the entire radiosynthesis cycle on a microfluidic
device or macro reactor yielding purified PET radiotracer products,
with the click of a single button. The desired reaction values may
be input at the start of the reaction, if desired. That is, the
default values may be changed, and an operator may set the flow
times, reaction times, temperatures, pressures and volumes before
starting the reaction. The automated script may then read all the
information and adjust the synthesis run accordingly.
The general computer system includes a processing device, a system
memory, a system bus coupling the system memory to the processing
device, a storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a magnetic
disk drive, e.g., to read from or write to a removable magnetic
disk, and an optical disk drive, e.g., for reading a CD-ROM disk or
to read from or write to other optical media. The storage device
may be connected to the system bus by a storage device interface,
such as a hard disk drive interface, a magnetic disk drive
interface and an optical drive interface. Although this description
of computer-readable media refers to a hard disk, a removable
magnetic disk and a CD-ROM disk, it should be appreciated that
other types of media that are readable by a computer system and
that are suitable to the desired end purpose may be used, such as
magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks,
etc.
A user may enter commands and information into the general computer
system or enter graphical information into the general computer
system. A display device, such as a monitor, having a display
screen, is connected to the system bus via an interface. In
addition to the display screen, the general computer system can
also include other peripheral output devices.
The general computer system can operate in a networked environment
using logical connections to one or more remote computer systems,
such as a server, a router, a peer device or other common network
node, and such a system can include any or all of the elements
described relative to the general computer system. When used in a
local area network (LAN) environment, the general computer system
is connected to the LAN through a network interface.
When used in a WAN networking environment, the general computer
system typically includes a modem or other means for establishing
communications over a WAN, such as the Internet. The modem, which
may be internal or external, may be connected to the system bus via
the serial port interface. In a networked environment, program
modules depicted relative to the general computer system, or
portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage
device. It should be appreciated that the network connections shown
are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link
between the computer systems may be used. It should also be
appreciated that the application module could equivalently be
implemented on host or server computer systems other than general
computer systems, and could equivalently be transmitted to the host
computer system by means other than a CD-ROM, for example, by way
of the network connection interface. Program modules stored in the
drivers of the computer system may control how the general computer
system functions and interacts with the user, with I/O devices or
with other computers. Program modules may include routines,
operating systems, target application program modules, data
structures, browsers, and other components.
It should be appreciated that no particular programming language is
described for carrying out the various procedures described in the
detailed description because it is considered that the operations,
steps, and procedures described herein are sufficiently disclosed
to permit one of ordinary skill in the art to practice an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, there are many
computers and operating systems which may be used in practicing an
exemplary embodiment, and therefore no detailed computer program
could be provided which would be applicable to all of these many
different systems. Each user of a particular computer should be
aware of the language and tools which are most useful for that
user's needs and purposes.
Moreover, the method may be embodied in the form of
computer-implemented processes and apparatuses for practicing those
processes. The above may also be embodied in the form of computer
program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media,
which is non-transitory, such as, for example, floppy diskettes,
CD-ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer readable storage
medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and
executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for
practicing embodiments of the invention. Existing systems having
reprogrammable storage (e.g., flash memory) can be updated to
implement embodiments of the present invention. The above can also
be embodied in the form of computer program code, for example,
whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by
a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as
over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via
electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code
is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an
apparatus for practicing embodiments of the present invention. When
implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer
program code segments may configure the microprocessor to create
specific logic circuits in whole or in part.
The embodiments of the present invention are further described by
the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the
invention, and are not intended, nor should they be interpreted to,
limit the scope of the invention.
The following disclosure is a description of the equipment, process
and control in accordance with the various embodiments of the
present invention. This instrument is one embodiment of the present
invention and allows for the automated synthesis and purification
of multiple types of radiolabeled compounds for use in the Positron
Emission Tomography (PET) scanning of animals and humans.
Users of the exemplary system can select between manual and
automated modes of instrument operation. One such device can use a
Visual Basic control program, as well as a Ladder Logic PLC for
control of the device.
The instrument according to embodiments of the present invention
can be used in any one of a plurality of modes. Examples of three
modes include: (1) full automation that takes the process from
target water to purified product in an injectable formulation with
one click of a start button; (2) individual step automation, which
allows the user to pause after each synthetic step and decide which
parameters to use in the next step, or to skip steps, or to stop
the process; and (3) a fully manual mode, where the user can
control every device in the instrument such as a valve, pressure
regulator, syringe, etc. All modes allow the user to monitor the
processes taking place in the chip or macro reactor in real-time by
watching the output on the PC monitor screen Machine vision can use
the same images to drive certain step sequences in the automated
process or give the user an indication of step completion in the
manual mode.
FIGS. 16a-c (Instrument A) and 17a-c (Instrument B) are similar to
each other in that they both illustrate the detailed diagrams of
the various components (Tables 1a and 1b) as well as fluid and gas
network in accordance with various embodiments of the present
invention. However, FIGS. 17a-c illustrating Instrument B scheme
includes additional details regarding the micro-reactor or the chip
system as disclosed herein. FIGS. 16a-c show Instrument B operation
setup, where the macro reactor (only, no microfluidic chip) is used
for the radiosynthesis of PET tracers with macro-scale reagent
volumes. Typical operation volumes for micro reactors are from
about 5 to about 50 .mu.L of solution or 1 ng to 10 mg of the
dissolved solids. Typical volumes used in macro reactors are from
about 0.1 to about 10 mL of solution and from about 1 mg to abut 1
g of solid components. The operational volumes and amounts can
differ from the typically used values and go beyond these ranges
depending on the properties of individual precursors (solubility,
molecular weight, etc.).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1a Instrument B Component List - Cold Box:
Part Number/Part Name 100 Inert Gas Inlet (N.sub.2, >120 PSI)
102 Manual Pressure Regulator (120 PSI) 104 Powered Safety Valve
& Regulator 106 HP Automated Pressure Regulator 108 8-Way
Manifold High Pressure 110 AV-1 112 AV-2 114 AV-3 116 AV-4 118
Manual Air Flow Valve 120 Pump 4 122 Flowmeter 124 DV-1 126 DV-2
128 EtOH Pump 130 H.sub.2O Pump 132 MeCN Pump 134 Release Reagent
(K2CO3) ZWF 136 Phase Transfer Reagent (K222) ZWF 138 Chip Reagent
1 (Prec.) ZWF 140 Chip Reagent 2 (Acid) ZWF 142 Chip Reagent 3
(Base) ZWF 144 Col. Regen. (KHCO3) 146 Filter 148 Macro Reactor
Reagent 1 150 Macro Reactor Reagent 2 152 Macro Reactor Reagent 3
154 Reformulation Eluent 156 MeCN Reservoir 158 Spare 160 Pump 2
Spare 162 Solvent 1 164 Solvent 2 166 Solvent 3 (H.sub.2O) 168
Solvent 4 (EtOH) 170 HPLC Pump Line 1 - N.sub.2 To .sup.18F Vial
AV1 Line 2 - Column Regeneration Line 3 - Release & PTR Line 4
- Chip Reagent 3 Line 5 - Chip Reagent 2 Line 6 - Chip Reagent 1
Line 7 - Chip Eluent (H.sub.2O) Line 8 - N.sub.2 From Flowmeter
& AV2 Line 9 - N.sub.2 & Solvents Line 10 - Macro-Reactor
Reagent 1 Line 11 - Macro-Reactor Reagent 2 Line 12 - Macro-Reactor
Reagent 3 Line 13 - Reformulation Eluent Line 14 - N.sub.2,
H.sub.2O, EtOH Reformulation Cleaning Line 15 - Solvent From HPLC
Pump Line 16 - Light Source Line 17 - UV Detector Line 18 -
Spare
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1b Instrument B Component List - Hot Box: Part
Number/Part Name Line 1 - N.sub.2 To .sup.18F Vial AV1 Line 2 -
Column Regeneration Line 3 - Release & PTR Line 4 - Chip
Reagent 3 Line 5 - Chip Reagent 2 Line 6 - Chip Reagent 1 Line 7 -
Chip Eluent (H.sub.2O) Line 8 - N.sub.2 From Flowmeter & AV2
Line 9 - N.sub.2 & Solvents Line 10 - Macro-Reactor Reagent 1
Line 11 - Macro-Reactor Reagent 2 Line 12 - Macro-Reactor Reagent 3
Line 13 - Reformulation Eluent Line 14 - N.sub.2, H.sub.2O, EtOH
Reformulation Cleaning Line 15 - Solvent From HPLC Pump Line 16 -
Light Source Line 17 - UV Detector 200 Inert Compressed Air (120
PSI) 201 Manual Pressure Regulator (120 PSI) 202 Manual Pressure
Regulator (12 PSI) 203 Pneumatic Actuator Control Valves
(RPA1-RPA6, LPA1, LPA2) 204 Inlet From Cyclotron 205 .sup.18F Vial
5 mL Conica 206 Filter 207 LV-15 208 RAD 1 209 RAD 2 210 Ion
Exchange Column 211 Rheodyne Traping Valve 212 AV 8 213 LG 1 214
LV-9 215 .sup.18H.sub.2O Waste 50 ml 216 AV 9 217 P (blue) 218 P
(orange) 219 LV 18 220 Charcoal Trap 221 Vent Outlet 222 LV 19 223
P (purple) 224 Waste Pump 225 Waste Outlet 226 General Waste 250 mL
227 Load cell 228 Chip 229 RAD 3 230 LG 2 231 LG 3 232 LG 4 233 LG
5 234 LG 6 235 RPA 1 .sup.18F 236 RPA 2 Precursor 237 RPA 3
H.sub.2O 238 RPA 4 Exit 239 RPA 5 Acid 240 RPA 6 Base 241 LPA 1
N.sub.2 242 LPA 2 Vent 243 LV 11 244 LV 12 245 LV 13 246 LV 14 247
Chip Heater 248 Trap Vial 5 mL Conica 249 LG 9 250 Vacuum Pump 251
Macro Reactor 252 RAD 4 253 Macro Heater 254 DV 3 255 DV 4 (24-port
DV1) 256 SPE 1-20 257 DV 5 (24-port DV2) 258 DV 6 259 Delivered
Product Outlet 260 LV 16 261 Product Fraction Collector 262 RAD 2
263 Rheodyne Distribution Valve DV 7 264 Fraction Collectors 1-5
265 LG 7 266 LG 8 267 Rheodyne Purificaton Loop Valve 268 Loop 269
RAD 5 270 RAD 6 271 UV Detector 272 RAD 7 273 HPLC Column 274 Guard
Column
Before the synthesis, the instrument goes through a cleaning cycle,
then the system completes the priming step which brings the
reagents used in excess (for example, HCl and H.sub.2O) to the chip
or the macro reactor via the dead volume bypass system
(automatically). Solvents for cleaning, priming, reaction use and
purification and other processes are being drawn from the cold box
solvent reservoirs 156 (Acetonitrile or MeCN reservoir) (see FIGS.
17b), and 162 (Solvent 1 reservoir), 164 (Solvent 2 reservoir), 166
(Solvent 3, for example H.sub.2O), and 168 (Solvent 4, for example
EtOH) by the corresponding solvent pumps 128 (EtOH pump), 130
(H.sub.2O pump) and 132 (MeCN pump) through the distribution valves
DV1 and DV2 into the corresponding solvent and reagent vials such
as 134 (release of K.sub.2CO.sub.3 reagent), 136 (Phase transfer
reagent K222), 138 (Chip reagent 1 or precursor), 140 (Chip reagent
2 or precursor), 142 (Chip reagent 3 or Base), 144 (Column
regeneration reagent KHCO.sub.3) equipped with a filter 146, macro
reactor vials 148, 150, and 152, and reformulation eluent vial 154.
The spare solvent reservoir 158 and a spare pump 160 are also
incorporated into the instrument to replace one of the existing
components or for additional use. HPLC pump 170 delivers the
required solvent from reservoirs 162, 164, 166, and 168 of the cold
box into the hot box for purification and column regeneration
purposes.
Pressurized nitrogen gas is introduced into the cold box through
the gas inlet 100. Nitrogen passes through manual pressure
regulator 102, power safety valve and regulator 104 and high
pressure automated pressure regulator 106 on the way to the 8-way
high pressure manifold, from which nitrogen is being used for
actuating the distribution valve DV1 and for delivery and
dispensing reagents in the hot box. High pressure nitrogen is
controlled by air valves 110, 112, 114, and 116. Precise volumes of
nitrogen are aspired by pump 4, component 120, from the 8-way
manifold 108 via air valve 114 and dispensed toward the
distribution valve D1, component 124, for pneumatic actuation of
Pumps 128, 130 and 132 and distribution valve D2, component 126 for
dispensing the exact amounts of the reagents into the lines or
tubing leading to the hot box for the further radiosynthesis
procedure. Pressurized nitrogen gas (HP) is controlled by and
distributed from manifold 108 through air valves 110, 112, 114,
116, and 118 to lines 1 and 8, pump 4 and to distribution valve
DV1, component 124. These processes are described in more detail in
Table 2, which shows an exemplary run of the system according to
the flow chart on FIG. 17c.
FIG. 16b outlines the instrumental set up of the hot box.
Radioactive target water containing [F-18]fluoride is delivered
into the vial 205 (labeled ".sup.18F Vial 5 mL Conica") from
cyclotron 204 before the trapping procedure is started. Rheodyne
Trapping Valve 211 (RTV) can be set to a "trapping" position. High
pressure nitrogen comes from the cold box and may be controlled by
AV1 110 and/or manual air flow valve 118 is used to force the
target water through the filter 206, valve LV 15, part 207, onto
the ion exchange column 210 (IEC or I/E column) which traps and
holds the [F-18]fluoride while passing the stripped water on to a
collection vial 215 (labeled "H.sub.2.sup.18O Waste"). Then, the
rheodyne trapping valve 211 can be switched to the "release"
position. K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and K222 from the corresponding reservoir
134 and 136 of the cold box may be delivered via the corresponding
line 3 ("Release & PTR") and dispensed toward the I/E column by
means of the RTV 211. The precise volume of nitrogen is used to
push the K.sub.2CO.sub.3 through the TIE column in the opposite
direction to release the trapped [F-18]fluoride and then deliver it
into the reaction chamber within the microfluidic chip 228 through
the chip valve RPA 1, element 235.
During release, K.sub.2CO.sub.3 solution is passed through the
column. As it enters the column the back pressure is low, but extra
pressure can be generated behind the release solution in order to
push it through the column. The solution comes out of the column
slowly, but as soon as the last portion of liquid is out, the back
pressure vents through the column accelerating the solution towards
the chip rapidly. In order to avoid rapid uncontrolled entrance of
the release solution into the chip, an expansion tube was added to
the instrument. This can be about 6-feet long with about 0.030'' ID
(internal diameter) line placed between the column and the chip.
The release solution travels rapidly through this tube until the
back pressure has been released (which happens before the solution
reaches the chip.) Then the Loop valve controlling I/E column (same
as RTV) is switched from Release to Trap and more gas is dispensed
into this line. But this time it does not have to go through the
column and overcome its resistance. It can drive the release
solution into the chip in a controlled manner (by dispensing a
known volume of gas at a known rate with a syringe).
Some F-18 may remain in the plumbing between the column 210 and the
chip 228, and some even on the column. In order to maximize the use
of F-18, according to one of the embodiments of the present
invention, the instrument sends the K222 solution behind
K.sub.2CO.sub.3 through the same lines to mop up the remaining
F-18.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, F-18 is
delivered into the macro reactor (RPA 4 (238) and DV3 (254) through
micro reactor in the design shown on FIG. 16b.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an
instrument where F-18 can be directed off the column to either of
the reactors. Such design involves I/E column placed between DV4
(24-port distribution valve, part 255) and DV 5 (24-port
distribution valve, part 257) similar to one of the SPEs (such as,
for example SPE 256).
Chip 228 is configured to receive the exact amounts of PET tracer
precursor, base, acid, and chip eluent from the corresponding
reagent reservoirs from the cold box via the corresponding lines 4
("Chip Reagent 3"), 5 ("Chip Reagent 2"), 6 ("Chip Reagent 1"), and
7 ("Chip Eluent (H.sub.2O)") and through the corresponding RPA 2
(on chip liquid valve) (port 236), RPA 3 (port 237), RPA 5 (port
239), and 6 (port 240). The chip is further equipped with RPA 4
(port 238) for the exit line going to DV3 (254), LPA 1 (port 241)
connected with the nitrogen gas line 8 a line going to the
microreactor 251 (also shown on FIG. 10) through LV 14 (246) and
LPA 2 (port 242), which is connected to a vent line leading to the
distribution valve 5 (DV5, component 257) for further distribution
of raw product to HPLC, macro reactor or final product vial
(delivered product) or waste.
Distribution valves DV1-DV6 are used for delivery of reagents to
various locations. The system as described herein can use at least
from 2 to 20 various reagents, which can be delivered to any of at
least 2-20 receiving locations (valves, vials, reservoirs,
reactors, etc.). Various custom designs can incorporate more than
20 reagents and more than 20 locations for processing such
reagents.
The temperature of the system described herein may be controlled by
resistive heaters and compressed air cooling.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, during
acetonitrile evaporation process, the precise drying amount is
determined using the timer plus the feedback from the machine
vision system. In the machine vision system, several boxes within
the view area of the reactor are programmed when wet and dry using
red, green, blue, hue, saturation, and brightness values for each
box. These values plus time are used to determine the level of
dryness. The chip nitrogen valve LPA 1 is closed while chip vent
valve LPA 2 stays open in order to fill the acid. The acetonitrile
evaporation is designed to be only partial--just to clear enough
room for the acid. If the evaporation is allowed to proceed to
completion, it will be difficult to dissolve the organic residue in
aqueous acid without stirring.
In another embodiment of the present invention, elution takes place
when chip valve RPA 3 (237) is opened, chip valve PRA 4 "EXIT"
(238) is opened, and water is dispensed toward the chip to elute
the raw product into DV3 from which the sample can be delivered to
macro reactor or into the "Injection Loop" 268 depending on the
position chosen for the "Injection Loop Valve" 267 or to the
general waste system 225.
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a
purification procedure. If the product is eluted into the
"Injection Loop", now the "Injection Loop Valve" 282 has to switch
from "Chip" to "HPLC" position. Next the "HPLC Pump" 170 (FIG. 16a)
is started forcing the raw product into the "HPLC Column" 273,
equipped with a guard column 274. The column separates various
compounds in the raw product stream so that they come off the
column at various retention times (HPLC) and distributed via RDV 7
(263) as various fractions to fraction collectors 279. The system
is programmed to detect and isolate known compounds such as FLT
automatically while executing pre-programmed gradient, step or
isocratic programs. A radiation detector RAD 6 (270) and a UV
detector 271 may be used to monitor the liquid leaving the column
and to trigger the DV6 (valve 258) to direct the purified product
into a purified product receiver through the product outlet 259 and
the remaining liquid into the "General Waste" container 225. The
purified product receiver is connected with the interlocking pig
device (not shown on FIGS. 17a and 17c).
Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the cleaning
step which performs the ion exchange column 210 regeneration as
well as the microfluidic chip 228 and macro reactor 266 cleaning
before a subsequent run. Additional details regarding cleaning
operations are shown in Table 2, entries 8-11.
Operations of the exemplary instrument B are analogous to the
operations of the exemplary instrument A except, for example, for
the processes and hardware related to the microfluidic reactor or
chip operations.
Use of the System for Preparation of .sup.18F--FLT
Furthermore, the following description provides an example of a set
of steps that may be carried out in accordance with the various
embodiments of the present invention for preparation of
[.sup.18F]-FLT. Throughout the following description reference is
made to the various components that are shown in FIGS. 17a, 17b,
17c and 18 and Table 2. All flow chart components shown in FIGS.
17b abd 17c are listed in Tables 1a and 1b.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Unit Operations of the exemplary Instrument
B No. Category Unit Operation Name UO on modified flow diagram 1
Trap Trapping Set HP (High Pressure) to default or specified value.
Set Rheo trapping valve to "trapping". Make sure LV15 and LV9 are
off. Turn on LV18 (close it). Turn on AV1. L/G detector 1 (LG1)
will first detect liquid then gas. After it detects gas, pause 10
seconds and turn off AV1 and drop HP to zero. Turn off LV18. 2
Release Release with Cold Phase: Set HP = 0. Aspirate 2500 by Pump
4 from position Release Agent 1. Hot Phase: Open RPA 1 and LPA 1.
Make sure LV14 is off. volume Turn trapping valve to "release".
Turn DV2 to position 1. Turn DV1 to position 5. Turn 4-4 on SP4 to
position 2. Set HP regulator to 10 psi, open AV4 and watch LG2.
When LG2 detects liquid, drop HP to zero and close AV4. Pause 3
seconds. Open AV3. Turn DV1 to position 4. Dispense 500 uL at the
rate of 50 to position 2 with SP4. Close RPA 1. Close LPA 1. Close
AV3. User instructions: Fill release reagent in vial. 3 Release
Release with Same as 2 except (1) DV2 goes to position 2 not 1 (2)
user release reagent instructions should request placing the
specified volume of phase and Phase Transfer transfer reagent into
vial. If the release is done with both, instruct Reagent volume the
user to fill both vials, but the unit operation is identical. 4
Evaporation Evaporation in Set HP to zero. Open LPA 1. Open LPA 2.
Set DV5 to 23. Set Micro Reactor DV6 to 4. Set T to specified
value. Open AV2. Make sure LV14 with Temp, is off. Ramp HP from
zero to set value at a rate of 1 psi/sec up to pressure, time 10
psi then 10 psi/sec up to the final value. Start timer. When timer
runs out, set T = 45 deg. Drop pressure to zero at 10 psi/sec.
Close LPA 1. Close LPA 2. Close AV2. 5 Evaporation Evaporation in
Set HP to zero. Turn on LV14. Turn DV5 to 21 and DV6 to 4. Macro
Reactor Make sure Purification loop valve is in "inject" position.
Set with Temp, macro T to specified value. Open AV2. Ramp High P to
pressure, time specified value at 10 psi/sec. Start timer. When
timer runs out, set T = 45 deg. Drop pressure to zero at 10
psi/sec. Turn off AV2. Turn off LV14. 6 Reaction Reaction in open
LPA1. Open AV2. Make sure LV14 is off. Ramp HP to Micro Reactor
desired pressure (between 0 and 10 psi at 1 psi/sec, above 10 with
Temp, psi at 10 psi/sec). Close LPA1. Close AV2. Set temperature.
pressure, time Start timer. When timer is finished, set T = 45 deg.
Wait for T to drop below 55 deg. Open AV2. Open LPA1. Ramp pressure
down at 10 psi/sec. Close LPA 1. Close AV2. Set HP = 0. 7 Reaction
Reaction in Turn on LV14. Turn Rheodyne purification valve to
"inject". DV6 Macro Reactor to 4. DV4 and DV5 to 24. Open AV2. Ramp
HP to desired with Temp, pressure (at 10 psi/sec). Close LV14.
Close AV2. Set pressure, time temperature. Start timer. When timer
is finished, set T = 45 deg. Wait for temperature to drop to 55
deg. Open AV2. Open LV14. Ramp pressure down at 10 psi/sec. LV14
off. Close AV2. Set HP = 0 8 Clean cycle Cleaning cycle Set Chip T
= 100 deg. (1) Fluoride lines: DV4 to 23. DV3 to 3. in Chip RPA 4
on. LPA 1 and LPA 2 off. RPA 1 on. Rheodyne trapping valve in
"release" position. DV2 to 2. DV1 to 3. Meter 500 uL MeCN. Set HP =
30 psi. AV4 on. Turn DV1 to 5. When LG2 goes from liquid to gas
wait 10 sec and turn AV4 off. Turn DV1 to 2. Meter 500 uL of water.
Av4 on. DV1 to 5. Wait for LG 2 to go from liquid to gas, wait 10
sec and turn off AV4. Turn Rheodyne to "trap" position. Turn DV1 to
3. Meter 500 uL MeCN. Turn AV4 on. Turn DV1 to 5. Wait for LG2 to
go from liquid to gas, wait 100 sec and turn off RPA 1, then AV4.
(2) Reagent 2 lines: Turn DV2 to 4, Dv1 to 2. Meter 500 uL of
water. Turn on AV4. Turn on RPA 5. Turn on LV12. Turn DV1 to 5.
When LG4 sees liquid alternate LV12 at 1 Hz 10 times leaving LV 12
on at the end. When LG 4 goes to gas wait 10 sec and turn off AV4.
Turn DV1 to 3. Meter 500 uL MeCN. Turn on AV4. Turn DV1 to 5. When
LG4 sees liquid alternate LV12 at 1 Hz 10 times. When LG 4 goes to
gas alternate LV 12 again 20 times leaving it on at the end. wait
100 sec and turn off RPA 5 then AV4. (3) Reagent 3 lines: Turn DV2
to 5, Dv1 to 2. Meter 500 uL of water. Turn on AV4. Turn on RPA 6.
Turn on LV11. Turn DV1 to 5. When LG5 sees liquid alternate LV11 at
1 Hz 10 times leaving LV 11 on at the end. When LG 5 goes to gas
wait 10 sec and turn off AV4. Turn DV1 to 3. Meter 500 uL MeCN.
Turn on AV4. Turn DV1 to 5. When LG5 sees liquid alternate LV11 at
1 Hz 10 times. When LG5 goes to gas alternate LV 11 again 20 times
leaving it on at the end. wait 100 sec and turn off RPA 6 then AV4.
(4) Vents: Close RPA 4. Open LPA1 and LPA 2. Set DV5 to 23. DV6 to
4. AV2 on. Wait 100 sec. AV2 off. LPA 1 off. LPA 2 off. (5) Eluent
Line: RPA 4 on. DV4 to 22, DV3 to 4. Turn DV2 to 6, DV1 to 2. Meter
500 uL of water. Turn on AV4. Turn on RPA 3. Turn on LV13. Turn DV1
to 5. When LG6 sees liquid alternate LV13 at 1 Hz 10 times leaving
LV 13 on at the end. When LG 6 goes to gas wait 10 sec and turn off
AV4. Turn DV1 to 3. Meter 500 uL MeCN. Turn on AV4. Turn DV1 to 5.
When LG6 sees liquid alternate LV13 at 1 Hz 10 times. When LG 6
goes to gas alternate LV 13 again 20 times leaving it on at the
end. wait 100 sec and turn off RPA 3 then AV4. (6) Reagent 1
(precursor) lines: Turn DV2 to 3. Turn DV1 to 3. Open RPA 2. Meter
500 uL MeCN. Turn on AV4. Turn DV1 to 5. When LG3 goes to gas Turn
on LPA1 and LPA 2 wait 600 sec and turn off LPA 1, LPA2, RPA 2,
RPA4 then AV4. Turn HP to 0. Set Chip T = 25 deg. 9 Clean cycle
Cleaning cycle Rheodyne purification valve to "inject" position.
DV6 to1. DV5 to in Macro 22. DV4 to 22. Set Macro T = 100 deg. (1)
Reagent 1 lines: DV3 reactor to 1. DV2 to 9. DV1 to 2. Meter 1000
uL of water. Set HP = 30 psi. AV4 on. Turn DV1 to 5. LG7 will go
from gas to liquid to gas. When it sees gas after liquid, wait 5
sec and turn off AV4. Turn DV1 to 3 and meter 1000 uL MeCN. Turn on
AV4. Turn DV1 to 5. Wait for LG7 to go from liquid to gas. Wait 100
sec. Turn off AV4. (2) Reagent 2 lines: DV3 to 8. DV2 to 10. DV1 to
2. Meter 1000 uL of water. Set HP = 30 psi. AV4 on. Turn DV1 to 5.
LG7 will go from gas to liquid to gas. When it sees gas after
liquid, wait 5 sec and turn off AV4. Turn DV1 to 3 and meter 1000
uL MeCN. Turn on AV4. Turn DV1 to 5. Wait for LG7 to go from liquid
to gas. Wait 100 sec. Turn off AV4. (3) Reagent 3 lines: DV3 to 7.
DV2 to 11. DV1 to 2. Meter 1000 uL of water. Set HP = 30 psi. AV4
on. Turn DV1 to 5. LV7 will go from gas to liquid to gas. When it
sees gas after liquid, wait 5 sec and turn off AV4. Turn DV1 to 3
and meter 1000 uL MeCN. Turn on AV4. Turn DV1 to 5. Wait for LG7 to
go from liquid to gas. Wait 600 sec. Turn off AV4. Set macro T = 25
deg. 10 Clean cycle Cleaning cycle This unit op involves only the
HPLC pump. Rheodyne in HPLC purification valve stays in the
"inject" position throughout the entire cycle. The cycle consists
of an HPLC program that starts with pumping water for 10 min, then
ramp to 100% EtOH over 5 min, then pumps EtOH for 10 min and stops.
11 Clean cycle Cleaning cycle Set Rheo trapping valve to "trapping"
position. DV1 to 5. DV2 to in Ion 8. Turn on LV15 and LV9. Set HP =
30 psi. AV4 on. LG1 will Exchange detect liquid then gas. After it
detects gas following liquid wait 30 column (to be sec and turn off
AV4. Turn DV1 to 2. Meter 3 mL of water with a done after chip
water pump. Turn DV1 to 5. LG1 should be seeing liquid now.
cleaning) When it goes to gas, wait 300 sec and turn AV4 off. Turn
off LV15 and LV9. Set HP to zero. Setup phase: instruction "Fill
KHCO3 with 3 mL of solution." 12 Pause Pause for User same 13 Pause
Pause for Wait same at least 30 sec 14 Move Move product Cold
phase: DV1 to 2. DV2 to 6. Make sure LV13 is off. Set DV4 product
From Micro to 21 and DV3 to 4. Meter 1000 uL of water by water
pump. Reactor to Turn DV1 to 5. Set HP = 10 psi. Open AV4. Monitor
LG6. When Macro Reactor it detects liquid, close AV4 and drop HP to
zero. Wait 5 sec. with solvent turn DV2 to8. Hot Phase: DV6 to 1.
DV4 and DV5 to 24. DV3 to (water, EtOH or 3. Make sure LPA1 and
LPA2 are off. LV 13 on. LV14 on. Make MeCN) sure Rheodyne
purification loop valve is in "inject" position. Open RPA 4. Open
RPA3. Set HP = 10 psi. DV2 to 6. DV1 to5. Turn on AV4. Monitor LG8.
It will go from gas to liquid to gas again. When it goes to gas
after liquid, wait 10 sec. Then turn off RPA3, RPA4, AV4, LV13,
LV14. Set HP = 0 psi. Setup phase: check or top off water in HPLC
bottle. (One can choose to move with EtOH or MeCN. In these cases
pump with appropriate pumps instead of water pump and set DV1 to
positions 1 or 3 respectively while pumping the solvent.) 15 Move
Move Product Cold phase: Make sure LV11 is off. DV2 to 5, DV1 to5.
Set HP = product From Micro 10 psi. Open AV4. Monitor LG5. When it
turns from gas to liquid Reactor to turn off AV4 and drop HP to 0.
Turn DV2 to 8. Hot Phase: DV6 Macro Reactor to 1. DV4 and DV5 to
24. DV3 to 3. LV14 on. Make sure LPA1 with Reagent and LPA2 are off
and Rheodyne purification valve is in "inject" (Chip reagent 3)
position. Set HP = 10 psi. DV2 to 5 DV1 to 5. Open RPA 4. Open
RPA6. Turn AV4 on. Monitor LG8. It will go from gas to liquid to
gas again. When it goes to gas after liquid, wait 10 sec. Then turn
off RPA6, RPA4, AV4, LV14. Set HP = 0 psi. Setup phase: Place the
appropriate volume of organic reagent into chip reagent 3 vial (if
it has not been used in the process earlier). 16 Move Move product
Cold phase: (1) SepPak prep: Cold Phase: Specify which sepPak
product From Micro will be used. Set DV6 to 4, DV5 and DV4 to the
selected Reactor to SepPak, DV3 to 2. DV2 to 7, DV1 to1. Pump 1000
uL of EtOH. SepPak with Set HP = 30 psi. Open AV4. Turn DV1 to 5.
Wait until LG9 goes water (or MeCN from liquid to gas. Turn DV1 to
2. Pump 1000 uL of H2O with or EtOH) water pump. Turn DV1 to 5.
Wait until LG9 turns from liquid to gas. Turn off AV4. (2) DV1 to 2
for water, to 1 for EtOH, to 3 for MeCN. DV2 to 6. Make sure LV13
is off. Set DV4 to 21 and DV3 to 4. Meter 1000 uL of solvent by the
appropriate pump. Turn DV1 to 5. Set HP = 10 psi. Open AV4. Monitor
LG6. When it detects liquid, close AV4 and drop HP to zero. Wait 5
sec. Turn DV2 to 8. Hot Phase: DV6 to 4. DV4 and DV5 to selected
SepPak number. DV3 to 3. Make sure LPA1 and LPA2 are off. LV 13 on.
Set HP = 10 psi. DV2 to 6. DV1 to5. Turn on AV4. Open RPA 4. Open
RPA3. Monitor LG9. It will go from gas to liquid to gas again. When
it goes to gas after liquid, wait 30 sec. Then turn off RPA3, RPA4,
AV4, LV13. Set HP = 0 psi. Setup phase: check or top off water or
solvents in appropriate bottles. 17 Move Move Product Cold phase:
(1) SepPak prep: Cold Phase: Specify which sepPak product From
Micro will be used. Set DV6 to 4, DV5 and DV4 to the selected
Reactro to SepPak, DV3 to 2. DV2 to 7, DV1 to1. Pump 1000 uL of
EtOH. SepPak with Set HP = 30 psi. Open AV4. Turn DV1 to 5. Wait
until LG9 goes reagent (Chip from liquid to gas. Turn DV1 to 2.
Pump 1000 uL of H2O with Reagent 3) water pump. Turn DV1 to 5. Wait
until LG9 turns from liquid to gas. Turn off AV4. (2) Make sure
LV11 is off. DV2 to 5, DV1 to 5. Set HP = 10 psi. Open AV4. Monitor
LG5. When it turns from gas to liquid turn off AV4 and drop HP to
0. Turn DV2 to 8. Hot Phase: DV6 to 4. DV4 and DV5 to selected
SepPak number. DV3 to 3. Make sure LPA1 and LPA2 are off. LV 11 on.
Set HP = 10 psi. DV2 to 5. DV1 to5. Turn on AV4. Open RPA 4. Open
RPA6. Monitor LG9. It will go from gas to liquid to gas again. When
it goes to gas after liquid, wait 30 sec. Then turn off RPA6, RPA4,
AV4, LV11. Set HP = 0 psi. Setup phase: check or top off water or
solvents in appropriate bottles. 18 Move Move product Cold phase:
DV1 to 2 for water, to 1 for EtOH. to 3 for MeCN. product From
Micro DV2 to 6. Make sure LV13 is off. Set DV4 to 21 and DV3 to 4.
Reactor to Meter 1000 uL of solvent by the appropriate pump. Turn
DV1 to HPLC with 5. Set HP = 10 psi. Open AV4. Monitor LG6. When it
detects water (or EtOH liquid, close AV4, LV13 on, and drop HP to
zero. Wait 5 sec. or MeCN) Turn DV2 to 8. Hot Phase: Turn Rheodyne
purification valve to "Load". DV6 to 1. DV4 and DV5 to 24. DV3 to
3. Make sure LPA1 and LPA2 are off. Set HP = 10 psi. DV2 to 6. DV1
to5. Turn on AV4. Open RPA 4. Open RPA3. Monitor LG7. It will go
from gas to liquid to gas again. When it goes to gas after liquid,
switch Rheodyne purification valve to inject". Then turn off RPA3,
RPA4, AV4, LV13. Set HP = 0 psi. Setup phase: check or top off
water or solvents in appropriate bottles. 19 Move Move Product Cold
phase: Make sure LV11 is off. DV2 to 5. DV1 to5. Set HP = product
From Micro 10 psi. Open AV4. Monitor LG5. When it turns from
gas
to Reactor to liquid turn off AV4 and drop HP to 0. Turn DV2 to 8.
Hot HPLC with Phase: DV6 to 1. DV4 and DV5 to 24. DV3 to 3. LV11
on. Make Reagent (Chip sure LPA1 and LPA2 are off and Rheodyne
purification valve is in reagent 3) "Load" position. Set HP = 10
psi. DV2 to 5, DV1 to 5. Open RPA 4. Open RPA6. Turn AV4 on.
Monitor LG7. It will go from gas to liquid to gas again. When it
goes to gas after liquid, switch Rheodyne purification valve to
"inject". Then turn off RPA6, RPA4, AV4, LV11. Set HP = 0 psi.
Setup phase: Place 900 uL of reagent into Chip Reagent 3 vial
organic reagent into chip reagent 3 vial (if it has not been used
in the process earlier). 20 Move Move product Cold phase: DV1 to 2
for water, to 1 for EtOH, to 3 for MeCN. product From Micro DV2 to
6. Make sure LV13 is off. Set DV4 to 21 and DV3 to 4. Reactor to
Final Meter 1000 uL of solvent by the appropriate pump. Turn DV1 to
Product Vial 5. Set HP = 10 psi. Open AV4. Monitor LG6. When it
detects with water (or liquid, close AV4 and drop HP to zero. Wait
5 sec. Turn DV2 to EtOH or MeCN) 8. Hot Phase: DV6 to 2. DV4 and
DV5 to 24. DV3 to 3. Make sure LPA1 and LPA2 are off. Set HP = 30
psi. DV2 to 6. DV1 to5. Turn on AV4. Open RPA 4. Open RPA3. Wait 30
sec. Then turn off RPA3, RPA4, AV4. Set HP = 0 psi. Setup phase:
check or top off water or solvents in appropriate bottles. Make
sure the product vial is vented. 21 Move Move Product Cold phase:
Make sure LV11 is off. DV2 to 5. DV1 to5. Set HP = product From
Micro 10 psi. Open AV4. Monitor LG5. When it turns from gas to
Reactor to Final liquid turn off AV4 and drop HP to 0. Turn DV2 to
8. Hot Product Vial Phase: DV6 to 2. DV4 and DV5 to 24. DV3 to 3.
Make sure with Reagent LPA1 and LPA2 are off. Set HP = 30 psi. DV2
to 5, DV1 to 5. (Chip reagent 3) Open RPA 4. Open RPA6. Turn AV4
on. Wait 30 sec. Then turn off RPA6, RPA4, AV4, LV11. Set HP = 0
psi. Setup phase: Place 900 uL of reagent into Chip Reagent 3 vial
organic reagent into chip reagent 3 vial (if it has not been used
in the process earlier). 22 Move Move product Cold Phase: Specify
which sepPak will be used. Set DV6 to 4, product From Macro DV5 and
DV4 to the selected SepPak, DV3 to 2. DV2 to 7, DV1 Reactor to to1.
Pump 1000 uL of EtOH. Set HP = 20 psi. Open AV4. Turn SepPak (not
DV1 to 5. Wait until LG9 goes from liquid to gas. Turn DV1 to 2.
with Organic Pump 1000 uL of H2O with water pump. Turn DV1 to 5.
Wait Solvent or until LG9 turns from liquid to gas. Turn off AV4.
Hot Phase: anything else, DV6 to 1. DV5 and DV4 to the desired
SepPak #. Rheodyne just by itself) purification valve to "inject"
position. DV3 to 4. LV14 on. Set HP = 10 psi. AV2 on. Wait 30 sec
after LG7 goes from liquid to gas. AV2 off. LV14 off. Set HP = 0.
Setup phase:. 23 Move Move product Rheodyne purification valve to
"load". DV4 to 1. DV5 to 22. Set product From Macro HP to 10 psi.
Open AV2. Turn on LV14. When LG8 goes from Reactor to Liquid to gas
turn Rheodyne valve to "inject". Turn AV2 off. Turn HPLC (with LV14
off. gas, not with any Solvents) 24 Move Move product (Takes place
through a purified product vial.) DV6 to1, DV5 and product From
Macro DV4 to 24. DV3 to5. Make sure Rheodyne purification valve is
in Reactor to "inject" position. Set HP to 20 psi. LV14 on. AV2 on.
After LG7 Delivered turns from liquid to gas wait 30 sec and turn
off LV14. AV2 off. Product Vial DV6 to 2. DV2 to 13. DV1 to 5. LV16
on. AV4 on. Wait 30 sec. LV16 off. AV4 off. 25 Move Move product
DV6 to 1. Make sure Rheodyne Purification valve is in "inject"
product From SepPak position. DV4 and DV5 to selected SepPak. DV3
to 6. DV2 to to Macro 12. DV1 to 5. LV14 on. Set HP to 30 psi. AV4
on. When LG8 Reactor With turns from liquid to gas wait 5 sec and
Turn AV4 off. Set HP to 0. SepPak Eluent LV14 off. Setup
instructions: fill Eluent vial with specified volume 26 Move Move
product DV6 to 1. Make sure Rheodyne Purification valve is in
"inject" product From SepPak position. DV4 and DV5 to selected
SepPak. DV3 to 2. DV2 to 7. to Macro DV1 to 1. LV14 on. Meter 1 mL
of EtOH. Set HP to 30 psi. Turn Reactor With DV1 to 5. AV4 on. When
LG8 turns from liquid to gas wait 5 sec ETOH and Turn AV4 off. Set
HP to 0. LV14 off. Setup instructions: make sure there is enough
EtOH 27 Move Move product DV6 to 2. DV4 and DV5 to selected SepPak.
DV3 to 6. DV2 to product From SepPak 12. DV1 to 5. Set HP to 30
psi. AV4 on. Wait 90 sec and Turn to Product Vial AV4 off. Set HP
to 0. Setup instructions: fill Eluent vial with with eluent
specified volume 28 Move Move product DV6 to 1. Make sure Rheodyne
Purification valve is in "inject" product From HPLC position. DV4
and DV5 to 24. DV3 to 5. DV2 to 13. DV1 to 5. product vial to LV14
on. Set HP to 10 psi. LV 16 on. AV4 on. When LG8 turns Macro
Reactor from liquid to gas wait 5 sec and Turn AV4 off. Set HP to
0. (not With LV14 off. LV16 off. Setup instructions: none SepPak
Eluent N2 only) 29 Move Move product same as above product From
HPLC product to Macro Reactor (not With EtOH) 30 Move Move product
Cold phase: (1) SepPak prep: Cold Phase: Specify which sepPak
product From HPLC to will be used. Set DV6 to 4, DV5 and DV4 to the
selected SepPak SepPak, DV3 to 2. DV2 to 7, DV1 to1. Pump 1000 uL
of EtOH. Set HP = 30 psi. Open AV4. Turn DV1 to 5. Wait until LG9
goes from liquid to gas. Turn DV1 to 2. Pump 1000 uL of H2O with
water pump. Turn DV1 to 5. Wait until LG9 turns from liquid to gas.
Turn off AV4. Hot Phase: DV6 to 4. DV4 and DV5 to selected SepPak.
DV3 to 5. DV2 to 13. DV1 to 5. LV14 on. Set HP to 10 psi. LV 16 on.
AV4 on. When LG9 turns from liquid to gas wait 5 sec and Turn AV4
off. Set HP to 0. LV14 off. LV16 off. Setup instructions: none 31
Move Move product DV6 to 2. DV4 and DV5 to 24. DV3 to 5. DV2 to 13.
DV1 to 5. product From HPLC Set HP to 10 psi. LV16 on. AV4 on. Wait
30 sec and turn AV4 product to off. Set HP to 0. LV14 off. LV 16
off. Setup instructions: none Product Vial 32 Move Move product DV6
to 1. Make sure Rheodyne Purification valve is in "load" product
From SepPak position. DV4 and DV5 to selected SepPak. DV3 to 6. DV2
to to HPLC with 12. DV1 to 5. Set HP to 30 psi. AV4 on. Monitor
LG7. It will go Eluent from gas to liquid to gas again. When it
goes to gas after liquid, switch Rheodyne purification valve to
inject". Then turn off AV4 and set HP = 0 psi. Setup instructions:
fill Eluent vial with specified volume 33 Add reagent Add Reagent
Cold Phase: Set HP = 0. Turn on LPA 1. Turn on RPA 2. DV2 to To
Micro 3. DV1 to 5. Set HP = 10 psi. AV4 on and start monitoring
LG3. Reactor From When liquid is detected turn off RPA 2 set HP = 0
and turn off Chip Reagent 1 AV4. Wait 5 seconds. Turn off LPA 1.
AV3 on. Aspirate 500 uL (precursor) into Syringe on Pump 4 from
Position 1 and turn to Position 2.. Hot Phase: Set HP = 0. DV1 to
4. DV2 to 3. Turn on LPA 1. Turn on RPA 2. Dispense 500 uL by
syringe to position 2. Turn off RPA 2. Turn off LPA 1. Setup phase:
tell user to add specified amount of reagent to vial. 34 Add
reagent Add Reagent Cold Phase: Set HP = 0. DV2 to 4. DV1 to 5. Set
HP = 10 psi. To Micro AV4 on and start monitoring LG4. When liquid
is detected turn Reactor From off AV4. Turn DV2 to 8. HP to 0. AV3
on. Aspirate 500 uL into Chip reagent 2 Syringe on Pump 4 from
Position 1 and turn to Position 2. Hot (Acid) Phase: Set HP = 0.
DV1 to 4. DV2 to 4. Turn on LPA 1. Turn on LV12. Turn on RPA5.
Dispense 500 uL with syringe to position 2. Turn off RPA 5. Turn
off LPA 1. Turn off LV12. Setup phase: tell user to add specified
amount of reagent to Chip reagent 2 vial 35 Add reagent Add Reagent
Cold Phase: Set HP = 0. DV2 to 5. DV1 to 5. Set HP = 10 psi. To
Micro AV4 on and start monitoring LG5. When liquid is detected turn
Reactor From off AV4. Turn DV2 to 8. Set HP = 0. AV3 on. Aspirate
500 uL Chip reagent 3 into Syringe on Pump 4 from Position 1 and
turn to Position 2. (base) Hot Phase: Set HP = 0. DV1 to 4. DV2 to
5. Turn on LPA 1. Turn on LV11. Turn on RPA6. Dispense 500 uL by
syringe to position 2. Turn off RPA 6. Turn off LPA 1. Turn off
LV11. Setup phase: tell user to add specified amount of reagent to
Chip reagent 3 vial 36 Add reagent Add Reagent Set DV2 to 9, 10, or
11 for addition of macro reagents 1, 2, or 3 To Macro respectively.
Set DV1 to 5. Set DV3 to 1, 8, or 7 for macro Reactor (From
reagents 1, 2, or 3 respectively. DV4 and DV5 to 24. Rheodyne Macro
reagent purification valve to "inject". LV14 on. Set HP to 10 psi.
AV4 on. 1, 2, or 3) When LG8 goes from liquid to gas, wait 5 sec
and turn AV4 off. LV14 off. DV6 to 4. 37 Add reagent Add Solvent To
DV6 to 1. Rheodyne purification valve to "inject". DV4 and DV5
Macro Reactor to 24. DV3 to 2. DV2 to 7. Turn on LV14. DV1 to 1, 2,
or 3 for (water, MeCN EtOH, H2O, or MeCN respectively. Pump
specified amount by or EtOH) the appropriate pump. Turn HP to 10
psi. Turn on AV4. Turn DV1 to 5. When LG8 goes from liquid to gas,
wait 5 sec and Turn off AV4. Turn DV6 to 4. LV14 off. 38 Add
reagent Add Reagent Same as "Add Reagent To Macro Reactor (From
Macro reagent To Macro 1, 2, or 3)" Reactor From Macro reagent 1 39
Add reagent Add Reagent Same as "Add Reagent To Macro Reactor (From
Macro reagent To Macro 1, 2, or 3)" Reactor From Macro reagent 2 40
Add reagent Add Solvent To DV6 to 4. DV4 and DV5 to selected
SepPak. DV3 to 2. DV2 to SepPak From 7. DV1 to 1, 2, or 3 for EtOH,
H2O, or MeCN respectively. ETOH, water or Pump specified amount by
the appropriate pump. Turn HP to 30 MeCN psi. Turn on AV4. Turn DV1
to 5. When LG9 goes from liquid to gas, wait 15 sec and Turn off
AV4. Set HP = 0. 41 Add reagent Add solvent To DV3 to 5. DV4 to 21.
Make sure LV13 is off. DV2 to 6. DV1 to HPLC product 1, 2, or 3 for
EtOH, H2O, or MeCN respectively. Pump solvent From EtOH, by
appropriate pump. Set HP = 10 psi. Turn on AV4. DV1 to 5. water or
MeCN Wait 30 sec. AV4 off. HP to 0.
FIG. 18 shows a series of steps. These steps may be stored on a
computer-readable medium and executed by a processor.
According to embodiments of the present invention, a cassette can
have functional elements, or components (e.g., HPLC, ion exchange,
micro-reactor, reagent chamber, valves etc.) disposed on a
cassette. More specifically, some of the functional elements on the
cassette may be part of at least some of the removable path which,
as described herein, provides the end user with significant
convenience and flexibility. The end-user has the ability to
evaluate the cost of renewing versus cleaning each of the re-usable
components. More expensive portions, or functional elements of the
wetted path may be cleaned and checked thoroughly offline from the
production process. The end user has the ability to consider
several components of the synthesis wetted path, and, for each
component, make an economic assessment of whether disposal or
cleaning makes better sense in the context of their specific needs,
weighing their concerns for quality, economics and their regulatory
compliance issues. For a product with multinational marketing that
is sold worldwide, this flexibility is a significant advantage to
both the manufacturer and its customers.
In the case of the ion exchange column and reaction chamber, making
these items re-usable supports using more expensive materials of
construction and packing materials, supporting a wider range of
options which could provide the cassette with more functionality
than available in a fully disposed cassette.
In the case of radiopharmaceutical synthesis, the cassette may be
easily set aside to wait until its radioactivity is acceptably low.
This waiting time is typically the time duration for the
radioactivity to decay such that the radiation level is acceptable
for exposure to operators/technicians.
The removable path approach, according to embodiments of the
present invention, addresses the cleanable path approach, the
disposable path approach, and the hybrid approach.
FIG. 19 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention
in which a radiosynthetic device is operatively coupled to a
cassette apparatus. As shown in FIG. 19, instrument 1902 (including
"hot" component unit 1920 and "cold component unit 1940) has
cartridge apparatus 1904 inserted into reception unit 1906 of
instrument 1902. As shown in FIG. 19, the cartridge apparatus 1904
is coupled to the instrument 1902 such that the instrument 1902 can
utilize the contents of the cartridge apparatus 1904. The
instrument 1902 may convey, provide or introduce the contents, or a
portion of the contents of the cartridge apparatus 1904 to either
the hot component 1920, cold component 1940 or both the hot
components 1920 and cold components 1940. The cartridge apparatus
1904 may be any of a single-use cartridge, a multiple use
cartridge, a disposable cartridge, a recyclable cartridge or
combination of these types of cartridges.
FIG. 20 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention
in which a hot component unit 1920 of a radiosynthetic device
(shown in FIG. 19 as element 1902) is operatively coupled to a
cassette apparatus 1904. As shown in FIG. 20, the cartridge, or
cassette apparatus 1904 is coupled to the hot component unit 1920
such that the hot component unit 1920 may use the contents, or a
portion of the contents, of the cassette apparatus 1904. The
cassette apparatus 1904 may be any of a single-use cassette,
multiple use cassette, disposable cassette, recyclable cassette or
combination thereof. Also, while the cassette 1904 is associated
with hot components of hot component unit 1920, shielding 2002 may
optionally be used to shield the cassette 1904 from radiation.
Thus, the cassette 1904 will have minimal, if any radiation
exposure. The shielding 2002 is typically fabricated from a
material such as lead, boron-filled polymer or concrete for
example. Any suitable material with radiation inhibiting
characteristics may also be used.
FIG. 21 shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention
in which a cold component unit 1940 of a radiosynthetic device
(shown in FIG. 19 as element 1902) is operatively coupled to a
cassette apparatus 1904. As shown in FIG. 21, the cassette
apparatus 1904 is coupled to the instrument such that the cold
components 1940 may use the contents, or a portion of the contents,
of the cassette apparatus 1904. The cassette apparatus 1904 may be
any of a single-use cassette, multiple use cassette, disposable
cassette, recyclable cassette or combination thereof. Shielding
element 2004 is also shown. While the shielding shown in FIG. 21
may be similar to the shielding shown in FIG. 20, the shielding
2004, shown in FIG. 21 is used to prevent any radiation that may be
present on cassette 1904 from affecting cold component unit 1940.
Thus, in an embodiment in which the cassette has radiation
elements, the shielding 2004 will reduce or prevent contamination
from the cassette 1904. The shielding element 2004 is typically
fabricated from a material such as lead, boron-filled polymer or
concrete for example. Any suitable material with radiation
inhibiting characteristics may also be used.
Furthermore, a cassette apparatus may be mounted, or disposed such
that the shielding material 2002 or 2004 reduces exposure to
radiation. The positioning of the cassette apparatus facilitates
removal and/or replacement and/or servicing an/or re-filling of the
cassette apparatus without waiting for any radiation elements
within the shielding element to decay such that exposure will not
be harmful. Thus, positioning the cassette apparatus outside
radioactive portions of the instrument (FIG. 19, element 1902),
enhances the operation since the cassette may be manipulated
independently of the radioactive state of the instrument (FIG. 19,
element 1902).
FIG. 22 shows a cassette device 2200 according to an embodiment of
the present invention. The cassette device 2200 includes body
portion 2202 with an orifice 2206. The body portion 2202 is adapted
to support element module 2216 (shown in more detail in FIG. 23).
Element module 2216 has multiple component elements. The cassette
body portion 2202 also supports HPLC column 2208, vial 2210 and
reaction chamber 2214. These elements 2208, 2210 and 2214 may be
detachable from the element module 2216.
FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of the cassette according to the
present invention. The element module 2216 has, for example four
component modules. These include reagent reservoir module 2309,
metering and mixing module 2311, reaction module 2315 and finishing
and separation module 2317. The element module 2216 also supports,
and can attach to HPLC column 2208, vial 2210 and reaction chamber
2214. The reagent reservoir module 2309 is used to store reagents,
which may be liquid or dry. The metering and mixing module 2311 is
used to mix and meter reagents and/or solvents for the instrument
(not shown). Reaction module 2315 may be used to perform the
desired reaction and may include a microreactor, as described
herein. Finishing and separation module 2317 is used to separate
chemicals and may be used to produce an aliquot or other separated
compound.
FIGS. 24(a) and 24(b) shows a cassette with non-disposable
elements. Specifically, insertion of the element module 2216, HPLC
column 2208, vial 2210 and reaction chamber 2214 into body portion
2202 via orifice 2206 is shown.
FIG. 25 shows an example of a cassette 2500 having non-disposable
elements as well as disposable elements mounted on body portion
2502. Specifically cassette 2500 has HPLC column 2508, microreactor
2514, ion exchange column 2520, cleaning module 2522, indicia 2524,
heating element 2526, integrity module 2530 and tubing 2542 and
2544. Also shown in FIG. 25 is pre-configured channel, or pathway
or connector 2564. This channel 2564 is part of the body portion
2502. Thus, an operator can use the pre-configured structure of
body portion 2502 to add a path to an element of body 2502. Thus,
the cassette is configurable based on pre-configured channels 2564
in body portion 2502.
FIG. 26 shows another example of functional elements disposed on a
cassette 2600. Cassette 2600 has a body portion 2602 that supports
disposable and non-disposable functional elements, or components.
For example, functional elements may include components such as
chambers, valves, ports, HPLC, reaction chambers, microreactors,
reservoirs, mixing chambers and other modules. The example shown in
FIG. 26 shows ion exchange column 2502, which may be used for
initial separation of a radionuclide. A chamber 2612 may be used
for storing reagent that may be pre-loaded on the cassette 2602. A
chamber 2614 is also shown. This chamber 2614 may be used to store
reagent added by the operator before loading the cassette 2600 into
an instrument (not shown). Typically, the cassette 2600 is
approximately in the range of approximately 12 inches to
approximately 20 inches wide, approximately between 0.25 to 3
inches deep and approximately between 1.5 to approximately 7 inches
high.
Port 2616 is an orifice that may be used for adding bulk reagent
from a reservoir. The reservoir may be located on the cassette
and/or the durable instrument (not shown).
Mixing element 2618 is used to mix reagents and or solvents and or
other compounds. The mixed compounds may then be provided to
reaction chamber 2514. The reaction chamber 2514 is used to execute
one or more reactions, which may be carried out at room temperature
and atmospheric pressure within the cassette.
Component 2620 is an external reaction chamber that may be used for
heated reactions at a specified pressure. The cassette body 2602
may provide tubing 2648, 2654 for extraction or introduction. Path
2650, which may be tubing or a pre-etched channel in body portion
2602 may be used to transfer compound between external reaction
chamber 2620 and HPLC loop valve 2509. The HPLC loop valve 2509 may
be re-usable or re-cyclable or re-furbishable. The HPLC loop valve
2509 is mounted on the body portion 2602 and may be rotated by the
instrument (not shown). The HPLC loop valve 2509 is connected to
HPLC column 2622 via high pressure tubing 2642 and 2644.
Vial 2626 may be used to contain a completed radiopharmaceutical.
Vial 2626 is connected to HPLC loop valve 2509 via tubing, or
channel 2646.
Passive check valve 2630 is used to retain the contents of a
reservoir, or chamber 2612 until the contents are pumped.
Active valve 2634 is used to retain the contents in reaction
chamber 2514 until pumped. Connection 2636 is used to provide a
conduit from one line to aspirate/dispense syringe pump located on
the durable instrument (not shown).
Also shown is tubing 2652 that connects HPLC to elements off the
cassette 2602. Conduit 2656 provides a path from mixing chamber
2618 to output 2658.
FIG. 27 shows an example cassette embodiment 2700 according to the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 27, cassette body portion 2702
includes functional elements, or components, that may be disposable
and/or non-disposable. For example, body portion 2702 includes
indicia 2524, which may be a bar code, RFID tag or other stored
identifying information, including encoded and/or encrypted data,
that may be read by a reader and modified to reflect changes in the
status of cassette 2700.
Tracking unit, or module, 2736 is used to store data and
information related to the cassette 2700. The tracking module 2736
may be a memory location or register or other electronic storage
medium, such as a non-transitory electronic storage medium, that
can store electronic data and receive and transmit electronic data.
This data may include, for example, the number of runs executed by
the cassette, type of runs executed by the cassette, compounds
and/or reagents and/or solvents on the cassette, when the last
re-furbishing operation occurred, a radiation level, the types of
instruments that have utilized the cassette and other information
that pertains to the operational life and/or status of elements on
the cassette and/or activities that have occurred to the cassette.
The tracking unit 2736 may also provide an indication when the
operational life of the cassette has ended and the cassette should
be discarded.
Tracking module 2736 may be coupled to an electrical port 2770 via
electrical connector 2737. This electrical connector 2737 may be a
circuit trace or other electrical interconnection. The electrical
signals can be data signals, power signals or both data and power
signals.
Ion exchange 2520, reaction chamber 2514, and dry chemical chamber
2724 are also shown. Cleaning component 2522 is coupled to reaction
chamber 2514 via channel, path or conduit 2563, which may be tubing
or pre-etched channel in body portion 2702. The cleaning component
is used to provide cleaning solvents and other materials to clean
the reaction chamber 2514. Alternatively, the cleaning component
may also be off-cassette and coupled to the cassette during a
scheduled maintenance cleaning.
Reservoirs 2748 and 2750 are also operatively connected to reaction
chamber 2514 via conduits or tubing. While two reservoirs 2748 and
2750 are shown, any suitable number of reservoirs may be used.
Waste component 2734 is used to collect waste from reaction chamber
2514 via conduit 2561.
Integrity module 2530 is coupled to control module 2732 and
electrically coupled to electrical port 2774. The integrity module
2530 is used to ensure the cassette 2700 is compatible with an
instrument. The integrity module 2530 typically stores
compatibility data to confirm that the instrument accessing, or
utilizing the cassette 2700 is appropriate. The controller 2732 is
an electronic processor, such as a CPU with an ALU that is capable
of storing and processing data. If the instrument attempting to
utilize the cassette is not appropriate or compatible, the
integrity module 2530 will generate an alert or flag indicating
that the cassette and instrument are not compatible or should not
be used together.
Also shown are liquid ports 2718 and 2720 which are used to provide
a pathway or conduit for liquids between the cassette 2700 and
instrument (not shown). Port 2772 is used to provide a pathway or
conduit from the reaction chamber 2514 to the instrument (not
shown).
FIGS. 28(a)-28(d) show examples of an instrument-cassette interface
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in
FIG. 28(a), an O-ring, or gasket 2802, which may be integral with
the cassette provides a fluid-tight seal between two mating
surfaces 2804 and 2806.
FIG. 28(b) shows an embodiment that uses flexible tubing 2808 on a
straight or tapered tubing barb 2810. Also illustrated is an
ejection bar 2812 which may be used to unseat the tubing without
the need of an operator to handle the tube 2808.
FIG. 28(c) shows an embodiment of a tapered probe 2814 that fits
into a tapered socket 2816. The socket 2816 and probe material and
geometry provide for one to much stiffer than the other so that the
seal is established when the two are pressed together. This seal is
typically a fluid-tight seal.
FIG. 28(d) shows a single use deformable cassette element 2820 that
fits over a more rigid instrument element 2822. The deformable
element may be male or female; the mating rigid element may be
female or male. The deformation forms a seal until the elements
2820 and 2822 are separated by an operator.
FIG. 29 shows an instrument 2900 that includes a radiosynthetic
device 2902 having a plurality of cassette receiving facilities
2904(a) . . . (n) (where "n" is any suitable number. The cassette
receiving facilities (generally 2904) are configured to receive a
cassette, as described herein. Thus, instrument 2902 can utilize a
plurality of cassettes for a single run. The instrument 2900 also
includes a control module 2906 that is operatively coupled to each
receiving facility 2904, via bi-directional communication
connectors 2908, 2910, 2912, to ensure that the cassettes are
appropriate for the instrument 2900. A display unit 2910 may
display an error or alert signal or indication if a cassette
inserted into one of the receiving facilities 2904 is not
appropriate for the instrument 2900.
FIG. 30 shows a re-processing device 3000 that is adapted for
reprocessing the re-processing cassette components which are to be
re-used, which permits component reprocessing to take place without
limiting the synthesis instrument from proceeding directly with its
next synthesis task. As shown in FIG. 30, a cassette input unit
3002 is used to receive a cassette that is to be
re-used/re-cycled/refurbished. Scanner unit 3022 scans or otherwise
obtains data from the cassette, such as by scanning a barcode, RFID
tag or other indicia on the cassette. The scanned data is then
transmitted to controller 3020 where it may be decoded and/or
decrypted. The scanned data may also be stored in memory 3030.
Also, controller 3020 may access memory 303 to retrieve data
related to the particular cassette. The controller 3020 then
controls re-cycling units 3004, 3006 and 3010. While three
recycling units are shown, any suitable number may be employed.
Each recycling unit performs an associated task to re-cycle a
designated portion of the cassette. The recycling process may also
involve operator input or action to perform the desired recycling
operations. Update unit 3032 is used to update the data associated
with the cassette following the recycling operation. The cassette,
which has been recycled may be discharged via outlet 3016. The
updated recycled data may be stored on the cassette, via the
indicia, bar code, RFID and/or stored in memory 3030.
The device 300 may be coupled to a network 3052 via bi-direction
interconnector 3050. The network 3052 may the Internet or any
computer network. Thus data generated by device 3000 may be
transmitted to other devices that are coupled to the network
3052.
FIG. 31 shows a flowchart 3100 of process steps to perform a
cassette re-cycling function. The steps shown in FIG. 31 may be
stored on a non-volatile memory, such as memory 3030 of FIG. 30 and
executed by a processor such as controller 3020 shown in FIG.
30.
Flowchart 3100 starts with start step 3102. Step 3104 shows that
tracked or accumulated data from the cassette is obtained. This
data may be data accumulated by tracking unit 2736 shown in FIG.
27. This data is then processed as shown in step 3106. This
processing may be performed by controller 3020 shown in FIG. 30.
The required or desired or scheduled maintenance is then
determined, as shown by step 3108. Step 3110 shows that the
maintenance, re-cycling and/or re-furbishing of components is
executed. Decision step 3112 determines whether additional
maintenance, re-cycling and/or re-furbishing is required. If so,
"yes" line 3114 shows that step 3110 is reached where the execution
of the maintenance, re-cycling and/or re-furbishing is performed.
If no additional maintenance, re-cycling and/or re-furbishing is
necessary, "no" line 3116 shows that the maintenance record of the
cassette is updated. Steps 3120, 3122 and 3124 show that the
updated maintenance record may be stored, transmitted and/or
printed. End step 3150 shows that the process is complete.
In general, embodiments of the present invention are directed to
recognizing the virtue of easily removing a portion of, or the
entire, wetted path from the durable instrument. After removal of
the portion, or entire, wetted path, embodiments of the present
invention maintain a wide range of options for cleaning the
cassette and/or disposing of the cassette by providing for one or
more of the process units on board the cassette to be removed with
relative ease for cleaning. The ability to remove selected
components enables managing the components on the cassette, which
includes cleaning and inspecting by the end user, reworking in the
factory, or disposal after an appropriate number of uses or when
indicated by the condition of the component.
Within radiochemistry synthesis, the removable path approach as
described herein, takes a novel approach to handling the wetted
path between uses.
As described herein, embodiments of the present invention are
directed to radiochemistry synthesis that includes making
functional elements, or components such as the HPLC column and its
associated high pressure valves and tubing a part of the cassette.
Furthermore, the radiochemistry synthesis system provides for
cleaning the HPLC column and its associated high pressure valves
and tubing independently of the instrument whose function is to
execute the synthesis process.
In addition the cassette carries a number of components which may
be re-used, or recycled or refurbished. The end user has the
ability to decide which products to re-use and which products to
use new; the end-user has the ability to decide when to discard a
multi-use component of the cassette. This provides the end user
with flexibility to tailor their specific solution to best suit
their needs. Customizing the solution to each custom comes at
almost no cost to the manufacturer of the synthesis system. The
manufacturer of the cassette has flexibility to simply sell
cassettes and re-usable components, and may offer a cleaning
service in which the end user is supplied with ready-to-use
components.
Embodiments of the present invention embrace an entire chemical
production process from beginning to end within the cassette, and
it supports selective re-use and/or recycling of components used in
the process.
Embodiments of the present invention include: The cassette is the
site of a complete chemical synthesis process. The components of
the cassette are not simply vessels containing ingredients to be
consumed, there are also active chemical process components for
reactions, heat and mass transfer and separations. The
manufacturing process takes place within the cassette. The cassette
architecture is specifically structured to support cleaning of
critical process components in preparation for re-use and/or
recycling. This cleaning is done offline from the synthesis
process, thus keeping the synthesis system available for operation,
and supporting a process for cleaning and inspection which is not
bound by time limits. The cassette offers the end user a wide range
of options with respect to what portions of the cassette the
operator will clean, how the cassette will be cleaned, how often
the cassette will be cleaned and what will trigger a component of
the cassette being discarded. The cassette provides for re-use of
components and/or recycling of components that may be expensive.
The feature of specifically targeting selective re-use and/or
recycling of cassette components supports a wider range of options
for design of the cassettes.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the HPLC column and the
ion exchange column have the characteristic of being re-used after
being cleaned between uses. These components (HPLC and ion exchange
column) are modular to support easily changing to the next
component. The cassette as described herein addresses the entire
synthesis process, not just one of the unit operations.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to mounting
reactors, reactor chambers or microreactors into cassettes. The
reactors, reactor chambers and microreactors mounted on the
cassette become useful in the context of a removable path cassette
such as described herein.
Exemplary Embodiments
Some examples of embodiments of the present invention include: A
cassette for synthesis of fine chemicals produced in small volumes,
for example approximately 0.5 mL to approximately 5.0 mL, for which
cleanliness and sterility of the portions wetted by the reagents,
intermediate products and finished product are important to the end
use of the product. The cassette may be used for
radiopharmaceutical synthesis. The cassette may be used for any
process taking place on a small scale through the mixing and
reacting of fluids. An instrument that may deliver one or more
reagents from a bulk reservoir to be used during the synthesis on
board the cassette. The instrument may deliver the radioactive
material to the cassette to start the reaction. A cassette easily
installed and easily removed from the durable instrument. The
cassette may be provided pre-filled with reagents, may be filled
manually at the time of use, or may have reagents metered in during
the operation of the synthesis process. The reagents may include
the radioactive material used to begin the synthesis process. The
cassette is assembled in clean conditions consistent with the needs
of the end user. The cassette may be sterilized by the manufacturer
if needed by the end user. The cassette has one or more removable,
cleanable and re-usable ion exchange columns, appropriate to the
synthesis process for which the cassette will be used. The cassette
has one or more removable, cleanable and re-usable reaction
chambers, appropriate to the synthesis process for which the
cassette will be used. The reaction chamber is shaped to fit easily
into a temperature-control well in the durable instrument when the
cassette is in place on the instrument. The cassette carries a
complete HPLC column and its associated valve and high pressure
tubing. The valve mates with an actuator shaft extending from the
durable instrument, permitting the valve (mounted on the cassette)
to be controlled by the durable instrument. Tubing connections to
the HPLC pump may be made by a manual operation, but may be
accomplished by a fitting making a pressure-tight connection simply
by the mating of the cassette. The cassette may have a unique
serial number, e.g. in the form of a bar code, or RFID, supporting
tracking in detail its service history. Optionally, one or more of
the re-usable and/or recyclable and cleanable components may have a
serial number, e.g. a bar code, allowing that component's history
to be tracked to support decisions about when and how it will be
cleaned, for what processes it will be used in, and when it will be
discarded. The cassette may also have the valving and fluid
conduits used to carry out a process involving fluid processing
disposed on the cassette. The cassette may also have features
identifying its intended synthesis reaction to the durable
synthesis instrument, such that the simple act of mounting the
cassette on the instrument is all the instruction the instrument
needs to carry out the reaction. Optionally, the cassette may
include an independent subsystem to clean the process components
which are to be cleaned and re-used. Furthermore the cassette may
be used with a stand-alone cleaning subsystem which might be
located anywhere convenient, either on the cassette or separately
that the cassette may be operatively coupled to, such as plugged
into such that the tubing and valves align to facilitate cleaning
of some or all of the components on the cassette. Furthermore,
there may also be a cleaning subsystem integrated on the synthesis
instrument cabinet, but whose operation does not interfere with
continual use of the synthesis instrument. Furthermore, there may
also be an inspection system which provides the user with sensor or
assay results indicating the cleanliness of the cleaned components.
The inspection system may be a stand alone module that the cassette
is operatively connected to or a module mounted on the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
business method which supports the cassette. The business method
may include, for example: a stand-alone cleaning subsystem which
might be located anywhere convenient, either as a stand alone
module or mounted on the cassette. a supply chain method in which
the end user has substantial control over what portion of the
wetted path will be cleaned and what portion will be discarded. a
cleaning service in which the manufacturer cleans and re-certifies
the components for later re-use by end users. The manufacturer
could perform the cleaning operation at a remote location and ship
the cassette back to the user.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a motive
force for pumping (e.g. syringe pump) that pumps material from one
location to another within the cassette, or introduces material
from the instrument to the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
actuator disposed on the cassette that actuates valves on the
cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
heating element 2526, mounted on the cassette. The heating element
surrounds the reaction chamber(s) and provides a heat source to the
reaction chamber(s).
Another embodiment of the present invention includes a pump unit
operatively coupled to an HPLC element. The pump unit is mounted on
the cassette and may be a re-usable element or a disposable
element.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes a control
module disposed on the cassette. The control module is used to
provide control signals to other elements on the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention includes an indicia,
such as a bar code or RFID tag that includes encoded information
that recognizes cassette type and provides instructions, or code to
run associated recipe(s). The instrument utilizes the encoded
information to run a particular recipe using the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette including some bulk reagents (e.g. DI H2O and EtOH) and a
waste container. The bulk reagents are typically stored in a
reagent module disposed on the cassette. The waste container is
also disposed on the cassette and is connected to tubing such that
waste can be deposited in the waste container.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that permits operator-added reagents for one run. Thus, as
operator, or technician, can add reagents as desired between runs
such that the added reagents, which were not present previously,
can be available for a particular run.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that includes components for the wetted parts, or wetted
path of a reaction. The wetted parts of the cassette are those
parts through which the ingredients added to the reaction flow. In
the event that the ingredients are all in the form of a liquid, the
wetted path is the portions of the reaction equipment which are
wetted by any of the liquid ingredients or the intermediate
products. Similarly for vapors and gases, the wetted path is the
portions of the reaction equipment with which the vapor or gas
makes contact. In general practice, the wetted path can be
described as all of the portions of the reaction equipment which
the synthetic chemist will wish to wash after completing the
synthesis process.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that has a bar code or REID or other indicia that conveys
a reaction type of the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
indicia, bar code or RFID that includes a serial number of the
cassette that can trace to, for example, a cassette lot, or HPLC
column history, or reaction chamber history.
Furthermore, the indicia, bar code, RFID may be part of the
cassette.
Also, the operator may be able to assemble a cassette based on a
cassette that has configurable portions. For example, the base
member may have portions, or areas that are adapted to hold or
utilize additional components that are not present on the cassette
when the cassette is shipped from the manufacturer. These
additional components may include, for example, a waste container,
additional vials, or other modules or components or elements that
may be desired. Once the operator is ready to use the cassette, she
may connect, or place the additional desired components on the
cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette in which an operator adds reagents to the cassette through
low-accuracy transfer. Low accuracy transfer is a transfer in which
the approximate volume is moved, but not with great accuracy. An
example would be a transfer by a volumetric pipette or a transfer
pipette, in contract to transfer by the use of a pipettor.
Furthermore, another embodiment of the present invention is
directed to a cassette that has a radioactive feed that is metered
in by the instrument to limit contact and radiation exposure to the
operator and/or other instrument components.
Another embodiment of the present invention enables an operator to
place the cassette into instrument. This is achieved by the shape
and dimensions of the cassette, which may be configured such that
an incorrect insertion will not permit the cassette to operate.
Thus, the shape of the cassette makes it possible for the cassette
to fit in the instrument in a single way. Similarly, the cassette
shape may enable an operator or technician to remove the cassette
without damaging the components of the cassette. This is
particularly helpful when the cassette has re-usable components
that are not disposed of.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that is recognized by the instrument, such that the
cassette operates to execute a predefined recipe. For example, the
cassette may be preloaded with specified ingredients, contents and
may have specified modules mounted thereon. This information is
stored on a tag or indicia that is recognized by the instrument.
Thus, the instrument processes the data related to the cassette and
then executes a particular recipe based on the components of the
cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette in which the entire reaction and purification is carried
out on the cassette. In this embodiment, the reaction chamber and
purification modules are disposed on the cassette. In such an
embodiment, the purification may be performed independent of the
instrument.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the completed
radiopharmaceutical is delivered to final vial. The final vial is
the container in which the prepared radiochemical is transferred to
its point of use. An example of a final vial would be a v-vial, or
a standard drug vial.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that delivers, or provides, or introduces an aliquot
directly to a QC (quality control) step.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette used with an instrument that is able to execute another
run in the time interval to remove a cassette from the instrument
and position, or insert another cassette. The time interval may be,
for example, one-minute, three-minutes, five-minutes or
fifteen-minutes.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that is a single use cassette. Such a single use cassette
may be disposable or a cassette that is refurbished after a single
use. This may be a cassette that has a component that must be
recycled, replaces and/or re-filled before the cassette may be used
again. Thus, a single use cassette is not necessarily a cassette
that is disposed of after a single use.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette with a reaction chamber disposed thereon. The reaction
chamber may be single use or cleaned offline.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that has an ion exchange column mounted thereon. The ion
exchange column might be single use or cleaned offline.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that has an HPLC column mounted thereon. The HPLC column
is, for example, multiple use or single use. In such an embodiment,
the cassette may have tubing and/or plumbing that permits the
cassette to operatively interface with the HPLC such that the
functionality of the HPLC is controlled by the cassette, for
example the HPLC loop valve located on board the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that minimizes the impact of a single-run design by
providing for rapid and relatively simple removal of the just-used
cassette and installation of the cassette to be used next.
As described herein the cassette of the present invention may
contain any combination of component modules. These component
modules may be disposable, re-usable, re-cyclable and/or
re-furbishable. Based on the component modules on the cassette, a
user or customer has options to balance the economic benefits of
cleaning components versus cost of single-use components. Thus the
customer, when ordering cassette may prefer to use only disposable
component modules or only selected no-disposable component modules.
thus, the customer can decide what components are mounted on the
cassette. This is particularly helpful when a customer is
environmentally conscious and prefers non-disposable elements, or
component modules that can be recycled or re-used and not
discarded. Therefore, the cassette is environmentally-friendly and
promotes a "green" process.
As stated previously, the cleaning and/or re-furbishing and/or
recycling of re-usable or non-disposable component modules or
components can be performed off-line. That is the end-user can
remove the cassette from the instrument and either perform the
recycling, re-furbishing or replacement actions. Alternatively, the
end user can send the cassette to an authorized facility that can
perform this function of refurbishing the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that is designed to perform a pre-selected operation. This
operation may be identified in a bar code, RFID or other indicia.
The instrument will recognize, via the indicia, the synthesis the
cassette is intended to execute and will require little or no
further instruction from the user interface to execute the
synthesis.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that can be cleaned off-line, that is when the cassette is
not interacting with the instrument. This off-line cleaning
supports rapid turn-around for synthesis, and the controllable
cleaning process is not limited by time.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that has an identification module, for example, a serial
number, identification bar code, or identification RFID tag that
self-identifies the cassette to the instrument and also identifies
what recipe is to be run by the instrument.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette that can be checked by an instrument to ensure that the
cassette has the proper configuration by the instrument before
running any recipes. If the cassette is not configured for the
desired process an error message, or alert or other indication will
be provided to the operator and the process will not execute until
the correct cassette is installed in the instrument.
One embodiment of the cassette, as described herein is directed to
a cassette in which the entire wetted path is removable from the
durable instrument. Thus, the wetted path portion or components on
the cassette may be removed and disposed of while other components
may be re-cycled or re-used or refurbished for subsequent use.
One embodiment of the cassette, as described herein is a cassette
in which an HPLC column, ion exchange column, solid phase
extraction column, or other separation technology can be recycled
for subsequent use using a separate instrument or independent
module dedicated to the purge operation.
One embodiment of the cassette, as described herein is a cassette
in which a reaction chamber can be removed and cleaned using a
separate instrument or independent module dedicated to the cleaning
process.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette which can be configured for custom processes. For example,
the cassette may have pre-selected vials, pre-selected components
and pre-selected design making it suitable for a corresponding
recipe or set of recipes. The recipe or set of recipes may be
identified on an identification module on the cassette so that an
operator will select the cassette adapted or configured for a
particular recipe that the operator wishes to run.
Another embodiment is directed to a cassette able to be modified
such that the recipes it will be suitable to run can be modified by
the operator making minor modifications to the cassette. For
example, the operator could remove certain unneeded components, or
re-route the plumbing, add additional tubes and similar changes to
the cassette. The identification data or module could then be
edited to reflect the operator changes and cause the cassette to be
operable for the desired recipe, or the identification may indicate
the cassette's synthesis procedure must be selected or configured
through use of the user interface.
The invention is further described by the following paragraphs:
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box with associated
radiation-handling components can be placed inside a mini-cell.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "cold" box hosting electronics, pumps
and reagents is placed outside the mini-cell to optimize "hot"
space, to allow access to reagents between runs and protect
electronics and the operator from radiation.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The instrument can be fully-automated.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. A bundle of cables and tubing connecting
the "hot" and "cold" boxes is approximately 20 feet long.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. A bundle of cables and tubing connecting
the "hot" and "cold" boxes is approximately 20 feet long. The
bundle of cables and tubing connecting the "hot" and "cold" boxes
is equipped with a Safety Radiation Detector.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. A macro reactor-based instrument can be
upgraded with a micro-reactor.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. A micro reactor-based instrument can be
upgraded with a macro-reactor.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. A modular system is equipped with multiple
reactors.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" component is equipped with a
microfluidic chip.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" component is equipped with a
macro reactor.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" component is equipped with the
microfluidic chip and the macro reactor.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box is self-shielded
("micro-cell").
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box is self-shielded
("micro-cell") and the shielded enclosure has a vertical or top
opening.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The shielded enclosure has a vertical or
top opening and the opening allows the hot box to be lifted
vertically out of the stationary shield.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. At least one "hot" box is placed in a
mini-cell.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The hot box comprises at least one unit
equipped to carry out a radiosynthetic protocol including
synthesis, purification and formulation procedures.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "cold" box comprises an embedded
personal computer (PC), which is designed to perform various
operations supporting discovery and production processes.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The single "cold" box is capable of
controlling multiple "hot" boxes.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The instrument being capable of conducting
multiple runs comprising radiosyntheses of different products
without opening shielded enclosures.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The product collection and F-18 delivery
takes place in an interlocking pig device on a self-shielded module
without radiation exposure.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box being equipped with a
microfluidic chip.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box is equipped with a
microfluidic chip. The chip comprises a system of parapets on the
ceiling of the said chip preventing liquid vent loss while allowing
efficient evaporation.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box is equipped with a
microfluidic chip. The chip comprises a system of three-way valves
on interface base for reagent priming.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation, where the "hot" box is equipped with a
microfluidic chip. The chip being made of molded PEEK or glass.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box is equipped with a
microfluidic chip. The chip within a PEEK frame seals with the PEEK
micro-reactor and has a glass lid.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box is equipped with a
microfluidic chip and the chip comprises a plunger alignment for
one-operation chip insertion.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box is equipped with a
microfluidic chip and a chip-alignment mechanism is built into the
instrument.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. The "hot" box is equipped with a
microfluidic chip. The chip comprises a pre-dispensed heat-transfer
compound.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. A pressure source and detector-based system
are self-testing for leaks.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. A flow meter for monitoring reactor dryness
can be placed both upstream and downstream of the reactor.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation. Efficient evaporation is achieved by change
of pressure.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where efficient evaporation is achieved by
change of pressure and where evaporation can start under low
pressure and end under high pressure.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where efficient evaporation is achieved by
change of pressure and where evaporation can start under positive
pressure and end under vacuum.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation, where a single syringe drives all reagents
and optionally all solvents into the reactor without any of these
reagents entering the syringe.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where at least one metering pump drives
solvents into the reactor or reformulation system.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation and a self-monitoring and self-emptying
waste system.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation also including automated cleaning with
readiness indication.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation also including an air-cooled
micro-reactor.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation also including an air-cooled and air-heated
reactor.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation also including a touch-screen computer.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation also including an automated safety interlock
on exhaust monitoring.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation also including a reagent cartridge that can
be plugged into the cold box.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation also capable of producing radiolabeled
compounds incorporating different isotopes on the same module.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where different processes can take place in
individual hot boxes within the mini-cell at the same time.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation capable of automatically generating a batch
record with yield, activity concentration, specific activity and
other parameters.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation capable of adjusting preset protocols and
procedures.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where the hot box comprises no single-use
consumables.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where the hot box comprises a
glass-bead-packed tube to break the release solution into multiple
boluses.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where the hot box comprises a
pressure-relief tube between I/E column and reactor.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where the hot box comprises UV LED light
source in HPLC.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where the cold box has no protruding
features (for clean-room applications).
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation where the hot box comprises reusable I/E
column.
An instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds comprising
"hot" and "cold" components, which are separated into two units
connected by a bundle of cables and tubing, and which are removed
from one another to minimize exposure of a user and sensitive
equipment to radiation, where the hot box comprises reusable Solid
Phase Extraction (SPE) cartridges.
A method of conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in
the instrument according to an instrument for synthesis of
radiolabeled compounds comprising "hot" and "cold" components,
which are separated into two units connected by a bundle of cables
and tubing, and which are removed from one another to minimize
exposure of a user and sensitive equipment to radiation.
A method of conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in
the instrument according to an instrument for synthesis of
radiolabeled compounds comprising "hot" and "cold" components,
which are separated into two units connected by a bundle of cables
and tubing, and which are removed from one another to minimize
exposure of a user and sensitive equipment to radiation where
loading an HPLC loop is conducted by pressure via tubing with
liquid-gas detectors.
A method of conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in
the instrument according to an instrument for synthesis of
radiolabeled compounds comprising "hot" and "cold" components,
which are separated into two units connected by a bundle of cables
and tubing, and which are removed from one another to minimize
exposure of a user and sensitive equipment to radiation. The method
includes conducting multiple runs of radiosyntheses of different
products without opening shielded enclosures.
A method of conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in
the instrument according to an instrument for synthesis of
radiolabeled compounds comprising "hot" and "cold" components,
which are separated into two units connected by a bundle of cables
and tubing, and which are removed from one another to minimize
exposure of a user and sensitive equipment to radiation. The method
includes increasing the efficiency of the release solution
comprising passing the solution bolus through a tube packed with
glass beads to provide a train of multiple boluses.
A method of conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in
the instrument according to an instrument for synthesis of
radiolabeled compounds comprising "hot" and "cold" components,
which are separated into two units connected by a bundle of cables
and tubing, and which are removed from one another to minimize
exposure of a user and sensitive equipment to radiation. The method
including passing K222 through the release line behind
K.sub.2CO.sub.3.
A method of conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in
the instrument according to an instrument for synthesis of
radiolabeled compounds comprising "hot" and "cold" components,
which are separated into two units connected by a bundle of cables
and tubing, and which are removed from one another to minimize
exposure of a user and sensitive equipment to radiation. According
to the method release by a K.sub.2CO.sub.3 bolus is followed by a
mixture of K.sub.2CO.sub.3 and K.sub.222.
A method of conducting radiosynthesis of a radiolabeled compound in
the instrument according to an instrument for synthesis of
radiolabeled compounds comprising "hot" and "cold" components,
which are separated into two units connected by a bundle of cables
and tubing, and which are removed from one another to minimize
exposure of a user and sensitive equipment to radiation. The method
includes achieving efficient release by splitting the release
solution into multiple boluses.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
instrument for synthesis of radiolabeled compounds that includes
one or more "hot" component units and at least one "cold" component
unit. The one or more "hot" component units and the at least one
"cold" component unit are separate units that are operatively
connected to each other, and the one or more "hot" component units
and the at least one "cold" component unit being positioned from
each other to reduce radiation exposure to a user and sensitive
equipment. There are also one or more cassette apparatus
operatively coupled to a portion of the instrument. The one or more
cassette apparatus provide at least a portion of contents of the
one or more cassette apparatus to either one or more of the one or
more hot component units or one or more of the at least one cold
component units.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus) and wherein the one or more cassette
apparatus include one or more disposable cassette apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein the one or more cassette
apparatus include one or more re-usable cassette apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cassette apparatus), wherein the one or more cassette
apparatus include one or more single-use cassette apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus), wherein the one or more cartridge
apparatus include one or more multi-use cartridge apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cartridge apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the
one or more hot component units.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cartridge apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the
at least one cold component units.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cartridge apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the
one or more hot component units, and include one or more disposable
cartridge apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cartridge apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the
cold component units, and include one or more disposable cartridge
apparatus.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus), wherein one or more of the one or more
cartridge apparatus are operatively coupled to one or more of the
one or more hot component units and one or more of the at least one
cold component unit.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus), and also includes radiation shielding
disposed in proximity to one or more of the one or more hot
component units to reduce radiation exposure.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus) and one or more of the one or more
cartridge apparatus are operatively coupled to the instrument
outside the radiation shielding.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus), wherein the one or more cartridge
apparatus enable refilling of contents of the cartridge apparatus
without exposure to radiation.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
instrument described above (hot component unit, cold component
unit, cartridge apparatus), wherein at least one of the one or more
cartridge apparatus are pre-packaged.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette device that has a body portion and at least one inlet port
for receiving a fluid. The cassette also has at least one outlet
port for providing at least a portion of the fluid. There are also
one or more functional elements disposed on the body portion to
perform an associated function. These functional elements may
include, for example, HPLC, ion exchange column, vials, reservoirs
and electronic components such as memory units, processors and
other units.
The embodiments of the present invention also include a cassette in
which at least some of the functional elements do not come into
contact with radiation since they are radiation intolerant.
Furthermore, some of the functional elements are re-usable. They
may be re-cycled or re-furbished such that they can be utilized
again, either with the same cassette or a different cassette.
Additionally, some of the functional elements are disposable.
According to the embodiments of the present invention, some of the
functional elements are re-usable parts on the cassette body.
Additionally, the cassette device, as described herein, can have a
body portion that is designed such that its shape, dimensions or
pre-etched channels are based on a desired use or particular
execution or recipe, or batch or re-usable elements. Thus, the
cassette may be wider or longer or have additional vials based on a
desired use of the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette device, as described herein in which the body portion
includes one or more reservoirs that are arranged so as to provide
contents of the reservoirs in a predetermined sequence. Thus, when
the cassette is re-cycled or refurbished, the reservoirs can be
re-filled so that the cassette may be used for a similar recipe in
the future. Indeed, the cassettes can be re-used many times over by
a laboratory using the cassettes to execute the recipe.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette in which the functional elements include elements for the
wetted path. Thus, the wetted path can be utilized by the cassette
elements, or components.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette device, as described herein in which the functional
elements include HPLC, ion exchange column, a reagent reservoir, a
mixing unit, a reaction chamber, a microreactor, a finishing unit,
vials containing solvents and/or reagents, a chamber having
pre-loaded reagents, a chamber having operator-loaded reagents, a
waste collection chamber, pumps, valves, connections, tubing,
processors, memories, chips, circuit traces, electrical connectors,
fluid connectors, and other elements used in conjunction with the
cassette that may be disposed on the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette device, as described herein in which an exchange time for
the cassette in an instrument does not exceed a predetermined time
interval. This predetermined time interval may be for example
approximately one minute; approximately three minutes;
approximately five minutes; or approximately fifteen minutes; or
another desired time between runs.
The cassette device according to an embodiment of the present
invention may be configured for a single run or multiple runs.
Also, the cassette may perform a cleaning function for at least a
portion of an instrument and/or the cassette. Additionally, the
cassette device may be adapted for performing one or more tests of
an instrument.
Another embodiment of the present invention is a cassette device
that includes a tracking module, disposed on the body portion, that
tracks use of the cassette. The tracking device may be used to
accumulate use data of the cassette, types of experiments run using
the cassette, types of constituent parts on the cassette,
maintenance records, types of instruments the cassette has been
used with, time of use of the cassette and other data related to
the operational life and uses of the cassette.
The cassette device, as described herein may be used to produce an
aliquot, or other reaction product that may be output from the
cassette and/or instrument.
A further embodiment of the present invention is a cassette device,
as described herein, that further includes at least one connector
adapted to electrically couple the cassette device to an
instrument. Additionally, the connector is adapted to transmit
electrical signals or power signals or both electrical and power
signals between the cassette device and the instrument.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette device, as described herein that includes a connector
adapted to provide a pathway for liquid transmission between the
cassette device and an instrument. This could be tubing, or a
fitting that permits liquids to transfer to and from the
cassette.
Yet another embodiment of the cassette as described herein is that
the cassette may have a body portion that is shaped to interface
with an instrument such that the shape signals to the instrument
what predetermined procedures, experiments, recipes or other uses
the cassette is capable of performing.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette device, as described herein that also includes identifying
information disposed on the cassette device. The identifying
information includes, for example, a bar code, an RFID tag, encoded
data, encrypted data or any combination thereof.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette as described herein and also includes an integrity module,
or unit or facility that is mounted on the body portion, and is
adapted to determine whether an instrument is compatible with the
cassette device. If the cassette and instrument are not compatible,
an alert or other indication is generated and provided to an
operator or other location, such as a monitoring device.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette, as described herein in which the body portion includes
one or more containers, or vials, or reservoirs, that contain
predetermined materials. These containers may include fluids
(liquid or gas or slurry or any combination thereof) or dry
chemicals.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette device, as described herein, wherein the cassette includes
a cleaning unit or facility disposed thereon. The cleaning unit may
be used to clean components on the cassette and/or components of
the instrument. The tubing or plumbing connected to the cleaning
unit can be configured to deliver the quantity and type of cleaning
agent desired for the particular cleaning operation.
The cassette as described herein may also have channels that are
pre-configured on the body portion of the cassette. These channels
may be drilled, etched, molded, or otherwise formed such that the
channel paths are fixed. An operator may connect various functional
elements or components such that the channels provide a conduit or
pathway between the components.
Also, the cassette, as described herein, may also have flexible
tubing connected to at least one of the at least one outlet ports
and/or components. The cassette may also include one or more valves
disposed on the body portion of the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to the
cassette as described herein in which one or more components are
utilized based on an instrument operating in conjunction with the
cassette. Thus, an instrument may utilize only some of the
functional elements mounted on the cassette.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
cassette device that includes an indicia that indicates a status of
the cassette. This may include, for example, the number of recipes
executed, radiation level and other conditions. This indicia could
be the bar code, RFID and/or tracking unit as described herein.
Another embodiment of the present invention is an instrument that
is used to identify the condition of a cassette. This instrument
typically includes a cassette reception module, adapted to
interface with a cassette apparatus and the instrument identifies
each cassette used with the cassette reception module. The
instrument can obtain status data from the cassette and use the
status data to control re-furbishing, re-cycling and or replacement
operations.
Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an
apparatus for reprocessing the cassette components which are to be
re-used, which permits component reprocessing to take place without
limiting the synthesis instrument from proceeding directly with its
next synthesis task.
Furthermore, the invention is directed to an embodiment that
includes a radiosynthetic device suitable for operating two or more
cassettes, such that the instrument can perform multiple synthesis
runs in sequence without the need to change cassettes.
Having thus described in detail various embodiments of the present
invention, it is to be understood that the invention defined by the
above paragraphs is not to be limited to particular details set
forth in the above description as many apparent variations thereof
are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the
present invention.
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